By Boineelo Molebiemang
Taung-There is a growing recognition that Taung is one of the regions with a growing population of drug addicts.

Statistics shows that the place is awash with drugs and concerned residents and the police are trying to curb out the pandemic.

The department of social development and other organizations systematized a march on Friday at Taung complex, raising the alarm about the dangers of abusing drugs.

Thato, 25 whose identity cannot be fully disclosed stood bravely amongst the crowd and shared his moving story about being one of the victims of substance abuse. He eventually received help from the department of Social Development and SANPARK Rehabilitation centre and withdrew from those substances.

“With the current proliferation of substance abuse, the consumption of alcohol and drugs is horrifying”, said Chief Director of Specialists and Social Services Onkemetse Kabasia.

“Drugs can damage your body and they can also damage your reputation and future” he said.

Mr Kabasia stated that young people are being taught about drugs, however, the pressure they receive from friends and ignorance are the reasons why young people engage in these risky behaviours.

Vela Ntuli from Fatlhogang Youth Support Organization said that parents should be extra vigilant of the behaviour of their children. “Children should be monitored at all times and they should have curfews. Our aim as a Youth Support Club is to teach young people of Taung about the menaces of substance abuse”, said Ntuli.

A quote from SANPARK Rehabilitation Centre encouraging young people to be more prudent of what they are doing to their bodies. “Alcohol is barren- the word a man speaks in the night of drunkenness fade like the darkness itself at the coming of day”.-TDN
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