SWEETWATERS COMMUNITY CONFRONTS SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON WORLD NO ALCOHOL DAY

By Ms Precious Mupenzi

• In recognition of World No Alcohol Day, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Ms Cynthia Mbali Shinga visited Sweetwaters, near Pietermaritzburg, to deliver a message of hope and highlight the importance of community collaboration in addressing substance abuse.
• The initiative brought together local leaders and stakeholders committed to combating substance abuse and fostering resilience within the community, while addressing the alarming trend of underage drinking and its implications.
• Discussions underscored the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration, with calls for action against illegal taverns and increased support services to tackle the social challenges faced by residents.

Sweetwaters, located just outside Pietermaritzburg, faces significant social challenges, particularly substance abuse. In commemoration of World No Alcohol Day, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe, along with KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Ms Cynthia Mbali Shinga, visited the area today to deliver a message of hope and emphasise the importance of community support in addressing these issues. The initiative brought together local leaders and stakeholders committed to tackling substance abuse and fostering resilience, aiming to build a healthier community for all.

The visit highlighted ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and celebrate the resilience of Sweetwaters’ residents. “Today, we gather not just to recognise the challenges but to honour the strength and determination of the people here,” stated Tolashe. “Together, we can create a future free from the grips of addiction.”

Addressing the issue of underage drinking, Ms. Siza Magangoe, Acting Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services within the Department of Social Development, highlighted alarming trends in youth substance use. “Children have access to alcohol, and it’s no longer just experimentation; many are already addicted,” she explained. “This is a serious concern that requires a multi-sectoral approach. The Department of Social Development cannot tackle alcohol availability alone.”

Magangoe emphasised the need for collaboration with various sectors, including the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Health, to effectively combat this crisis. She urged local authorities to take action against illegal taverns, stressing, “We must close down illegal operations and ensure compliance among legal establishments. The Nyobeni saga in East London is a cautionary tale of what can happen if we do not address these issues,” she stated.

Ntokozo Nala, the Umgungundlovu DSD District Manager, provided insights into the local challenges faced by the community. “Our social workers have attended to 45 cases of child abuse, with many involving child abandonment, and 11 cases concerning the abuse of elderly individuals,” he reported. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support services within the community.

Ms. Thamo Mzobe, Regional Manager for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), highlighted the agency’s efforts to uplift the community. “Beyond disbursing grants, SASSA has provided school uniforms to 35 schools, amounting to R4,449,200,” she noted. “In Umgungundlovu District, we have disbursed R370,413,120 in grants, with Umsunduzi Municipality receiving the largest share at R219,324,530.”

During the briefing session, local officials pointed out that Umsunduzi Municipality is particularly affected by various social ills. The Mayor acknowledged this demographic challenge, stating, “The size of our population magnifies the social issues we face, and it is imperative that we work collaboratively to address them.”