Beneath the scenic splendor of the famed Table Mountain and the historical allure of Cape Town, a silent war is being fought. As a result of monetary restrictions, the Kensington Treatment Centre, a sanctuary for citizens desperately requiring support and recovery, has terminated acceptance of adults. This austerity step stems from the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s necessitydriven decision to focus on the welfare of children in secure care.
Afrikaans singer Nadine has denied allegations that her boyfriend, retired rugby player Derick Hougaard, had overdosed on drugs or alcohol. Hougaard, formerly of the Springboks and Blue Bulls, spent nearly two weeks in a coma at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital after being found unresponsive in his Pretoria home on June 10. A toxicology report revealed high levels of toxins in his blood, but Nadine refutes accusations of substance abuse.
The City of Cape Town has achieved a remarkable milestone in the first quarter of 2023, with over 700 clients accessing the services offered by the substance abuse program. One of the program’s key components is the Matrix® initiative, which has received recognition for its achievements. This year, 23 participants received certificates at a ceremony in Town 2, Khayelitsha.
As we approach International Family Day on May 15th, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the success of the City of Cape Town’s Strengthening Families programme. This initiative has completed a decade since its pilot in 2013 and has become a critical part of the City’s numerous social crime and substance abuse interventions. The programme has supported more than 1,700 families in the region, focusing on substance abuse prevention and interventions.
On May 13th, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta BogopaneZulu, in collaboration with USAID, will launch ChommY. This pioneering program aims to empower children aged between 10 and 14 years from Ekurhuleni hostels. The initiative will be launched at the Vosloorus Civic Centre under the theme “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today.”
The recent incident in Browns Farm has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of violent crimes in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape. According to the latest crime statistics released by the SAPS in September 2022, there has been a 6.7% increase in murders in the Western Cape over the previous financial year. This trend underscores the need for continued efforts to combat crime in the province.
