Communities take action
against substance abuse

During the month of February 2008, Community Action Teams (CATs) were launched in all the municipal districts in the Free State Province.

Community Action Teams – called CATs for short – were established in Koffiefontein, Harrismith, Batho, Kroonstad and Sasolburg during Safety Month 2008.

These teams consist of CPF members, members of the respective communities, tavern owners and government representatives and will focus on developing and implementing strategies to address the root causes of violence in specific communities.

It is believed that many crimes in communities – especially domestic violence and abuse – are related to the excessive use of alcohol and drugs. The SA Police Service (SAPS) have units dealing with social crime prevention, but what goes on behind the closed doors of family homes and in neighbours’ yards can not always be monitored by the Police. The stigma and shame felt by the victims of domestic violence or abuse as well as the fact that substance abuse is usually linked to illegal trades and transactions, also silence people as they fear exposure.

But we as communities cannot allow these practises to proceed as it usually spill over fences and into our streets, seeping through our neighbourhoods and schools and affect our peace of mind, our sense of safety and security and our children.

The only way to address these root causes of crime is to remove the stigma of abuse in our communities and to take a stand against the unscrupulous exploitation by drug pushers and illegal liquor sellers who are just interested in making a quick buck and do not care how many lives get affected and destroyed by their greed. There is strength in numbers and if community groups – be it religious, business, school- or women’s groups, tavern owners and councillors – all stand together and say Enough is Enough!, we can once again install serenity in our streets.

CATs take action for the community through the community by identifying and prioritising crimes related to drug- and alcohol abuse and develop focus areas and implement programs to counteract the scourge.

Be a cool and caring cat and become a champion of moral regeneration by encouraging your church, youth and community leaders to play an active role in your local CAT!