#PODCAST A Long Walk to Democracy: This week we zoom in on the scourge of drug abuse amongst the youth in Chatsworth #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - In this week's edition of 'A Long Walk to Democracy', we zoom in on the scourge of drug abuse amongst young people at Chatsworth, in the south of Durban. Over the years, this community has become notorious for drug dealing, as many families watched their children suffer from a life of addiction. While some manage to escape the grip of substance abuse, others aren't so lucky. Over the last few years, many lives were lost as turf wars wreaked havoc within the community, while more drug shops mushroomed as law enforcement struggle to clamp down on these. Anti-drug organisations and schools have for years attempted to work together to curb the issue at grassroots level, but with little to no avail. Studies have found that social and economic factors contribute to the rising number of youths indulging in illegal substances. Popular drugs such as sugars, rock cocaine and mandrax are also believed to be fuelling the high rate of petty theft and other crimes in Chatsworth - as addicts try to support their habit and secure their next fix. Tashlan accompanied Diego Chetty*, a reformed addict, through the streets of Chatsworth. Chetty says he feels fortunate to have exchanged his life of substance addiction for a drug-free future…