The rising number of young people turning to drugs, such as crystal meth, has become a pressing concern with allegations that spaza shops in Southernwood are selling drugs.
Portia Klaasen, 53, a community developer with the SA National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca), who works in Southernwood, said substances once associated mainly with adults are now being used by children as young as nine.
She said the most abused substances in the Southernwood area, crystal meth and alcohol, were easily accessible.
“There are multiple venues where individuals can obtain drugs, and rumours suggest that some local spaza shops sell illegal substances,” she said.
Klaasen said Sanca’s mission was to address substance abuse through education, prevention, treatment, and aftercare services aimed at restoring dignity and improving quality of life.
She said economic hardship and social instability were among the main drivers of substance abuse among young people.
“Unemployment often leads to frustration and boredom, while many clients come from dysfunctional families marked by neglect or domestic violence. These environments push young people toward drugs as a coping mechanism,” Klaasen said.
She said many drug users suffered from depression and stress. Sanca’s work was hampered by limited resources.
She said: “Funding is our biggest problem. Many clients cannot afford services, and our centre is too small to accommodate everyone.”
This financial crunch limited the organisation to only admitting 18-year-olds and older. They really wanted to work with children aged as young as nine, but did not have the resources.
Nonetheless, Sanca was making a positive impact, providing inpatient and outpatient treatment, family therapy, pupil support, aftercare services, and running awareness campaigns.
They worked with the police, departments of health and education, and local NGOs all working under the aegis of the Community Anti-drug Coalition of America.
Klaasen said there were horrible misconceptions at play in the public.
“Many people still believe cannabis and alcohol aren’t real drugs. We are working to change these perceptions through education and community dialogues,” she said.
She said Scenery Park, Egoli, Mdantsane, and Buffalo Flats were heavily affected by drug addiction. Boys aged nine to men aged 35 were the largest group of drug addicts.
As the festive season approaches — a period often linked with increased substance use — Sanca plans to host a family day event on December 6 to celebrate those who are drug-free and promote awareness.
Sanca social worker Mbasa Makisi, 25, said neglect and mental health issues frequently led individuals to drug abuse.
“Neglect often results in overthinking, which pushes people toward drugs as a coping mechanism,” Makisi said.
“Once substance use begins, the brain’s chemistry changes, making it even harder to stop.
“When people feel supported and engaged, they are less likely to return to substance use.”
Klaasen laid down the truth: “It takes an entire community working together to restore hope, dignity, and purpose.”
