Abstract
Substance abuse is one of the most pervasive problems facing our nation, especially in the townships. Curbing this problem requires an integrated approach in which community stakeholders and society work together to improve safety by tackling the fundamental causes of criminality through mobilising state and non-state capacities and resources at all levels. This study seeks to assess the strategies and successes of community initiatives and circumstances that bestow on the path towards helping to fulfill the community’s aim to prevent and combat drug abuse. This study made use of a sample of 90 respondents 18 years and older who responded to the survey. A purposive sample of 10 staff members from the community-based organisations participated in oral interviews, while a simple random sample of 80 community members responded to questionnaires. Furthermore, secondary data sources were consulted to back up the claims that emerged from this study. While the study evaluated community strategies and documented some of the successes, including the rehabilitation of drug addicts, it also highlighted the lack of capacity of community organisations to make meaningful contributions in this regard. In particular, the lack of cooperation/collaboration and trust between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the community stakeholders is a cause for concern that may hinder any efforts to combat drug abuse. This study, therefore, highlights strategies that require a collective effort from government stakeholders.
Highlights
In any democracy, the police and the community need each other to ensure vibrant and safe communities, especially because the legitimacy of the police depends on broad and active public acceptance and support (Dempsey & Forst, 2008:330)
The programmes contemplated in subsection (1) of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008 may include elements that (a) address the values, perceptions, expectations and beliefs that a community associates with substances; and (b) develop the personal and social skills of people, especially children and youth, to increase their capacity to make informed and healthy choices (South Africa, 2009:20)
From this point of view, it is evident that the drug community initiatives such as awareness campaigns can serve as a primary prevention method to drug abuse if conducted effectively and more frequently
Summary
The police and the community need each other to ensure vibrant and safe communities, especially because the legitimacy of the police depends on broad and active public acceptance and support (Dempsey & Forst, 2008:330). Existing community structures influence the quality of life of individuals, the possibilities open to them and how they are treated by others (Makgoke & Mofokeng, 2020:95). Within this milieu, the individual becomes aware of systems of values, opportunities and prohibitions and how they influence the progress of their life. The individual becomes aware of systems of values, opportunities and prohibitions and how they influence the progress of their life For this reason, community structures should be considered in the creation of programmes attempting to address
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