Ginsberg in King William’s Town was our recent destination for a discussion on youth substance abuse. When talking to the residents, we found out that children as young as 10 years old start getting involved in drug and alcohol abuse. “[We have] Primary school kids getting hooked on dagga and other harmful and artificial substances,” explains Pam Ngqinani, a resident of Ginsberg and the Programme Administrator at the Steve Biko Foundation.

These substances are easily and cheaply available in the area, and since they’re cheap, they are even more dangerous. Drugs like tik and nyoape, a substance made from rattex and ARVs, are widely used in King William’s Town.

We invited Ginsberg Ward Councillor, Bongani Dyonase, and Social Worker and Probation Officer, Luchumanco Gqada, to engage with youth on how substance abuse can prevent them from achieving future success.

The facilitator, Mongezi Sikiti talked about his struggles with addiction that spans over 17 years. He is now encouraging other young people in the area to stay away from the destructive effects of drug addiction.

Watch the video below and tell us what you think.

Project Demo finds the voices of young people in South Africa, amplifies their stories and turns their cause for change into a reality. Tell them your issue. They’ll take it on and campaign with you.