Clinix Health Group launched a campaign to raise awareness about substance addiction, enlisting the help of TS Galaxy striker Bernard Parker, Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise and Olympic silver medalist Luvo Manyonga as ambassadors.
“Statistics shockingly reveal that one in four pre-teens have experimented with psychoactive drugs and that a third of South Africans, who are 15 years and older, are current drinkers, and almost 60% of those engage in binge drinking,” said Clinix’s Health Group chief marketing officer, Matshepo Majola, at the campaign launch at the Solomon “Stix” Morewa Memorial Hospital.
“As a people-centred brand, we would like this campaign to not only raise awareness about the adverse effects of substance and illicit drug use but also to drive a message of empathy that will encourage individuals struggling with substance use disorders and addiction to seek help and get support, which is what we offer at our various wellness centres across Gauteng,” added Majola.
Parker, Modise, and Manyonga will work together to foster empathy and destigmatise addiction. Modise, who made history as the first African player to score 100 international goals, shared her personal experience growing up in Soweto, where she saw peers turn to drugs as “a form of escapism.”
Luvo Manyonga, a long jumper, was banned from athletics for four years due to a relapse in 2020. His story highlights the challenges of overcoming substance abuse, even for high-performing athletes.
The campaign aims to address the “mammoth drug problem” that affects all segments of South African society, promoting empathy and support for those struggling with addiction.
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WHAT PORTIA MODISE AND BERNARD PARKER SAID
Meanwhile, Parker, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs, has raised concerns about the growing issue of online harassment targeting football players. He highlighted the case of Percy Tau, who has faced harsh criticism and even bullying from fans on social media. Parker emphasised the negative impact this can have on players’ mental well-being and performance.
“It’s a real killer in the industry,” Parker stated, explaining how negative messages can linger in players’ minds and affect their focus on the field. He called for more initiatives to address cyberbullying in football.
On the other hand, Modise has voiced her concerns about the prevalence of drug and substance abuse among football players in South Africa. “Football can break you,” she said, emphasising the need for greater awareness and support for players struggling with addiction and mental health issues.