09 Nov 2026

The Sport Volunteers Movement Lobatse Region on Friday held its annual community engagement to address challenges facing the community, particularly drugs and substance abuse.

Addressing attendees, Kgosi Serogola Seretse applauded the organisation for engaging the community through spreading information about drugs and substance abuse.

He emphasised that drugs and substance abuse was a concern and thus encouraged unity on the fight against drugs.

A Lecturer at Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) under the Psychiatric Mental Health Department, Aobakwe Masoloko said young people may face pressure from peers, academic stress, loneliness or mental health struggles, and some may use alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or other drugs to relax, fit in or numb pain.

“But this was an unhealthy way of coping that could create more harm over time,” she said.

She thus encouraged young people to keep going after disappointment or failure.

Masoloko also encouraged them to set boundaries, leave situations where drugs or alcohol were present, keep connections with people who respect their choices, limit social media if it increases stress, take a walk, play music or exercise, contact a counsellor or health professional and get enough sleep.

She urged families to encourage their children to talk if there was a problem and have family floor time, while the community should offer safe youth activities like sports and skills building centres, have non-judgmental support systems and connect young people with nurses, counsellors, social workers or substance use services.

Masoloko said substance-related problems could be treated, adding that even though recovery was possible it might take time hence, she encouraged professional assistance rather than trying to manage serious problems alone.

She also challenged the community to be supportive and consistent, avoid insults or define someone by their condition. ENDS