Members of the community in the ZF Mgcawu district joined the world in celebrating International overdose awareness day today, the 30th of August 2024. This after government announced that South Africa is in the midst of a crisis of substance abuse that manifests itself through cases of drug overdose, alcohol and drug abuse. Members of the community say the following:Insert - Comm OverdoseThe communications manager of the national department of social development Bathembu Futshane says substance abuse is 1 of the main drivers of social ills like the spread of HIV/Aids, school dropout, crime, violence, gender-based violence and femicide. He says this has a negative impact on the society leading to the destruction of individuals, families and community members. Futshane elaborates more:Insert - Department Overdose

Journalist: Tsosangkgotla Mararang
Email: tsosan@radioriverside.co.za