International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
By Thabo Motlhabi
Residents of Kagiso 2 joined Westview Clinic’s Kagiso 2 branch and community stakeholders for a successful Drug Abuse Awareness Fun Walk aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse while promoting recovery, hope and healthy lifestyles.
The event held earlier this month, held on saw participants walk from the Kagiso Department of Social Development offices to the Gauteng Archives in Kagiso 2.
The campaign was held in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which encourages communities around the world to unite in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The initiative was supported by several stakeholders, including Mogale City Public Safety, who joined other community partners in their commitment to building safer and healthier communities.
The primary objective of the fun walk was to educate Kagiso 2 residents about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and substance abuse, while also informing them about the free support services available at the Westview Clinic Kagiso 2 branch. The clinic provides assistance to individuals, families and groups affected by substance abuse, and offers support to those who are ready to begin their journey to recovery.
Speaking during the event, Maria Pelele from Westview Clinic Kagiso 2 encouraged those battling addiction not to lose hope.
“Recovery is possible if a person is willing and wants to change their life in a positive way. If you want to change your life, it is possible.”
Auxiliary Social Worker Dorah Seitei echoed the same message, emphasising that recovery begins with a personal decision to change.
“Whoever is willing to change their lifestyle can do so. Recovery is always possible as long as an individual is committed to changing their life.”
The campaign served as a reminder that overcoming addiction requires the support of families, communities and service providers working together. Organisers encouraged residents to seek help early and to support their loved ones on their path to recovery, reinforcing the message that recovery is possible.
The walk concluded with an educational information session, where various speakers highlighted the dangers of drug and substance abuse, shared prevention strategies, and informed community members about where they could access treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services.
