Amathunzi Arts raises awareness about substance abuse

Amathunzi Arts held an awareness campaign at the Khayelitsha Cricket Oval to help combat substance abuse and gangsterism in the townships.

The event was held in collaboration with Unchain Our Townships, South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA), Khayelitsha Traditional Leaders Association, Lingelethu West SAPS, Matrix and Chrysalis Academy.

Amathunzi Arts director Babalwa Mentjies said the event used indigenous and modern creativity to tell stories of people who had overcome substance and drug abuse.

“We had about 60 guests from Unchain Our Townships, a GBV and recovery faith-based home catering for recovering addicts, so we tailored our performances to directly address their situation,” said Ms Mentjies.

There were speeches from the police, social workers and traditional leaders urging those afflicted by social ills to change their ways.

Unchain Our Townships co-founder Deznel Dutta said it was a good experience for their residents to get out and mingle with the “outside world”.

“They absolutely enjoyed every moment and their testimonies showed that they are willing to change their lives. It was also a nod to our dedicated social worker and staff to see their response to our methods,” said Dutta.

He said their programme is geared at social re-integration and adding value to the communities through extensive partnerships.

“We value organisations like Amathunzi, traditional leaders, the police because they make our work easier by reaching out to us,” he added.