Drugs and alcohol abuse both pose a long-term threat to public health and the general wellbeing of South Africans. The relationship between crime and substance abuse cannot be ignored, with statistics from the South African Police Services (SAPS) indicating that addiction fuels crime, and 60% of crimes in South Africa are related to substance abuse.
According to the World Health Organisation Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014, the harmful use of alcohol also imposes significant social and economic costs. Alcohol is the primary drug of abuse in South Africa – over 30% of our population has an alcohol problem or is at risk of having one, and alcohol is responsible for nearly half of all motor accidents in the country. Alcohol and drug- related absenteeism within South African businesses is high and hinders much needed entrepreneurial spirit and productivity that our country needs. In addition, the WHO report indicates that alcohol abuse causes intangible costs such as pain, suffering and a diminished quality of life.
Many victims of rape and abuse often feel intensely ashamed and embarrassed, often fearful to seek professional help because they are worried that the information they share with authorities will not be kept private.
The face of rehabilitation support services in South Africa is set to change with the launch of RADA, a registered non-profit organisation that deals with rape, alcohol, drug and abuse.
“The process RADA plans to employ for the reporting of rape and abuse cases will be a first for South Africa – methodical, security-tight and individual-based empathetic care are components integral to this service. All victims will be treated with dignity and respect, which is vital if victims are to receive the assistance they need and deserve”
explains John-Paul Nobrega, the founder of RADA.
RADA aims to uplift communities by building comprehensive renewal centres and outreach programmes in South African communities, and ultimately around the world. The objective is for people to reach a level of personal empowerment that allows them to achieve their dreams and to give back to them the opportunity to live the life they deserve.
“At RADA we believe that everyone deserves a chance at a better life”
says Nobrega.
