Africa-Press – Botswana. Batswana have been urged to join hands in the fight against drug abuse.
The First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi made the appeal at a youth dialogue on drug abuse in Shakawe on Thursday.
Ms Masisi said drug abuse was a family and community problem as its effects impacted not only the consumer, but his/her family and the entire community.
She therefore emphasised a multi-sectoral approach to fight the scourge.
Ms Masisi, who is the UNAIDS Special Ambassador for young people in Botswana, said the youth dialogue on drug abuse, which was the third in the country so far, acknowledged the drug and substance problem in the country.
“We all know that this substances have robbed us of our loved ones and even our youngsters with brilliant minds and brilliant futures,” she said.
She said the dialogue also provided the youth with a platform to share solutions to the problem.
In his remarks, the Member of Parliament for Okavango, Mr Kenny Kapinga said it was everybody’s responsibility (youth, parents and community leaders) to fight drug use and abuse among the youth.
Mr Kapinga advised parents to ensure children attended youth camps geared towards moulding them into responsible adults.
He also urged schools as well as community leaders to host drug use and abuse awareness workshops frequently. Botswana Police’s Head of Narcotics, Fauna and Flora Unit in Ngami/Okavango, Superintendent Kenosi Tsaanang said drug use was prevalent in Botswana.
Supt Tsaanang said drugs from neighbouring countries reached Botswana through the southern part, then spread to other areas across the country.
He observed that the most prevalent drugs in the Okavango area were marijuana and methacholine also known as CAT.
He said the police would continue fighting illegal substances through law enforcement initiatives such as school outreach and community engagement.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Lekgowa Lekgowa of Shakawe appealed for recreational facilities, to provide both youth and adults with places of clean fun.
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