Thrust into a state of shock and complete desolation since the sudden passing of the founder and director of the Anti-Drug Forum (ADF), Sam Pillay, the organisation is proud to announce their dynamite comeback, this Women’s Day, with Shantal Bechoo at the helm.
Having assimilated the reality of the situation and keen to bounce back with added vigour and a zeal to help those suffering with addiction, ADF’s first female director, Bechoo, will now spearhead the organisation into full throttle mode, just as the late Pillay would have wanted. The joint efforts of a dedicated staff complement, along with a committed board of management ensured the ethos created by Pillay. Bechoo said her core focus will be aligned with augmenting a multifaceted approach to service delivery and treatment to the community. “I want to create the essence of hope via the ADF to all service users. Hope sets the tone for change, which affords the most vulnerable an opportunity to break the shackles from the vicious cycle of substance abuse and related social ills. “Sam was a legend in his own making and he was the face of the ADF, since inception. Taking over the baton from such a prominent individual is daunting. Being female further mounds the pressure in a sector that frequently demands an antagonistic approach. However, actively working alongside Sam has reflexively groomed me with the tools to tackle challenges,” she said.
Alongside professional services related to the supervision of treatment, therapeutic counselling services, programme management and community outreach on a daily basis, Bechoo’s role also includes participating in various leadership responsibilities through the board of management in developing strategic plans to guide the organisation. Detailing some of the challenges she has been met with, the former chief social worker who served at the ADF for the past seven years, said: “It is tough to mention the ADF and omit Sam, and vice versa. “This ideology poses a major challenge. Many folks assume the ADF dissolved after the loss of Sam or presume the organisation will cease due his absence.” “As mentioned before, Sam was legendary, my pledge to Sam was to ensure his legacy via the ADF continues to be upheld. I have faith that the last seven months (since Sam’s death) of heading the organisation would suffice in appeasing any doubts that may still loiter.” As a dedicated social worker, she added that the psychosocial well-being of the community is a collective responsibility. “Moreover, the sector of substance abuse is highly stigmatised and commonly denounced as self-inflicted. I intend to implement a rapid stance towards sensitising the community, business houses and networking partners on this misconstrued matter. Through collective accountability we can eradicate many social ills plaguing the community.”
She further encouraged women to stand together in the true spirit of sisterhood. “Strangely, I have to attest to the fact that women have been my biggest source of support and equally my greatest challenge. Where is the notion of sisterhood that used to prevail? We cannot eradicate the many challenges we are prone to as a divided front. The sector is in extreme need of support. Bring your skill set along and join the combat in saving lives. We all know someone that has been effected or affected by this scourge,” she said. Her advice to women dealing directly with many of the social ills faced in the community is to not let circumstances define you. “Regardless of your situation, dress up, show up. Social norms should not be reserved as the only path that defines your status as a woman. If you are serious about turning your challenges around, you often will have to collide with the toxic elements that bound you. Striking the ‘reset’ button is not a sign of weakness. Reach out for assistance; you do not have to tread alone,” she said. Look out for next week’s edition, where you can find detailed information and support offered by the Anti-Drug Forum of SA.
