By Noluthando Dlamini and Nomzamo Mntungwa
The DUT Student Housing and Residence Life held a substance abuse awareness event at the Mansfield Hall at Ritson Campus recently to combat drug and alcohol abuse among students.
Nonhlanhla Mbatha, the budget officer for Student Housing and Residence Life, said that while university life presents challenges, drugs and alcohol abuse are not a viable option.
“University life comes with difficulties, but all you have to do is stay positive and choose good friends. In this programme, we want to alert you that your situation and difficulties cannot be solved by drugs,” she advised.
Bongumusa Zulu, a recovering drug addict, spoke to students about the foundation of substance abuse, saying that addiction affects not only oneself, but also loved ones and communities.
He had been battling addiction for 13 years. “I am a founder and chairperson of an organisation called Para to Paradise that deals with helping people who suffer from drug addiction and excessive drinking of alcohol. I started the organisation because I noticed that most of the youth are under the influence of substance abuse and drugs,” he said.
DUT Safety, Health and Environmental occupational safety manager Lehlohonolo Mokhohlouloane said that some students at residences indulge in alcohol and drugs, leading to poor behaviour and bad academic records, which can hinder their job prospects after graduating.
”There is nothing as painful as sending a child to an institution only to become a drug addict. I experienced university life. All I can say is that choices are the key to survival. No one will force you to make bad decisions. If you have not started using drugs, please do not, because prevention is better than cure. Once you are addicted, you are destroying your future,” he said.
DUT student Fezokuhle Mthethwa appreciated having informed people advise them about avoiding things that could have a bad effect on their future.
“I have learnt that you start drugs for fun, but when time goes on, they start affecting your body organs like the brain, liver, kidneys and pancreas, and there is also the issue of addiction.”
Another student, Thethokuhle Dladla, also found the programme beneficial as she plans to avoid using drugs.”Drinking alcohol is not wrong, but (alcohol abuse) comes with consequences that can destroy your life and future.”
