Ulundi Community to be urged to stop using isiqatha and dagga
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will take her festive season anti-substance and alcohol abuse campaign to Emakhosini rural village in Ulundi on Monday, 22 December.
As part of routine visits to assess the socio-economic situation in the poorest wards as identified by Cabinet, the department’s project Mikondzo team has discovered that, among a number of social challenges in Emakhosini village, is the abuse of isiqatha (a form of home-made traditional alcoholic brew) and dagga.
Alcohol and substance abuse during the festive season is a leading contributor to violent deaths, pedestrian deaths on the roads, gender-based violence, the abuse of children and the elderly and many other traumas. As such, the Department of Social Development is on a nation-wide campaign to curb alcohol and substance abuse, especially in poor areas.
The department will also use the opportunity to create awareness on its 24 hour Command Centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of gender based violence. The toll free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
Other challenges uncovered by the Project Mikondzo team in the area, and that Minister Dlamini is expected to introduce interventions for, are high levels of poverty, teenage pregnancy resulting in sexually transmitted infections and young girls dropping out of school, as well as unemployment.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event which will take place as follows:
Date: Today, 22 December 2014
Time: 12h00
Venue:
Emakhosini Village in Ward 16 - Ulundi Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal province)
Media can RSVP to Mr Jaconia Kobue on 073 026 111 or jaconiak@dsd.gov.za / Mr Justice Ditshego on 079 4977426 or justiced@dsd.gov.za
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
