Residents of South Beach in Durban have expressed serious concerns over drug activity going on right in front of Noor Ul Ilm School. Tyla Smith, a community member, says the situation is putting learners and the wider public at risk.

According to residents, drug addicts often gather outside the school and openly inject drugs. Used syringes are thrown on the footpath where small children walk to school. Parents fear that this behavior pushes learners to substance abuse and poses serious safety and health hazards.

Drug abuser Siyabonga Dlamini tells Health-e News They occupy the area across the street from the school because the authorities do not monitor it.

He says, “We know this is not right, but we feel we have nowhere else to go. We are standing here because people don't bother us.”

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Residents say the problem has persisted for years, with incidents regularly reported to the local Community Police Forum (CPF).

They are now demanding immediate intervention, urging law enforcement and the health and basic education departments to help remove drug activity from areas where children live and study.

CPF chairman, Sibusiso Sebekhulu says drug use is a major problem throughout the South Beach area and is beyond their capacity to reduce.

passing the buck

When? Health-e News When contacted, provincial social development department spokesperson Thuba Velani said the issue should be taken up with the education department. On its part, the education department says it has no authority in the matter as the school is privately run.

The eThekwini Municipality says it is investigating the matter.

Consultant physician Dr Azharuddin Topia has warned that needles thrown in public places pose a danger, especially to children who could pick them up and injure themselves.

He added, “People should never pick up needles without wearing protective gloves. If a needle is found in a public place, authorities or municipal services should be informed so that it can be disposed of safely.”

Topia says drug addiction should be understood as both a medical and psychological condition that requires treatment rather than stigma.

He explains, “People who inject drugs often need medical treatment, counseling and rehabilitation. Addiction is not just a social problem, it is a health condition that requires professional care.”