Pubdate: Wed, 01 Jun 2016
Source: Citizen, The (South Africa)
Copyright: 2016 The Citizen
Contact:  http://www.citizen.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3939
Author: Anelisa Salavu

GAUTENG LEADS 'RADICAL' WAR ON DRUGS

The Gauteng provincial government yesterday took to the streets of 
Hillbrow to spread the word on its drug rehabilitation programme as 
part of Child Protection Week, which started on Sunday.

The "radical" programme implemented by the Gauteng department of 
social development is aimed at compelling the rehabilitation of young 
drug addicts, who pose a danger to themselves and others.

Gauteng social development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said government 
was embarking on the campaign to raise awareness on the rights of 
children and intervention and prevention programmes available for drug addicts.

"In Hillbrow today, we are raising awareness on substance abuse," 
Mayathula-Khoza said. "We will investigate and refer alleged drug 
addicts for treatment and aftercare."

As part of Child Protection Week, government is visiting high-risk 
communities to educate residents on children's rights, teenage 
pregnancy, early childhood development and adoption rights.

Yesterday's campaign was supported by well-known figures, including 
Khumbul'ekhaya presenter Andile Gaelesiwe, who said the social 
movement against substance abuse was a "war" she wants to be a part of.

Actor Israel Makoe, whose previous drug abuse landed him in prison, 
said he was there to be a role model to young people already using drugs.

Child Protection Week is commemorated annually to highlight the 
rights of children.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom