Making Phulong ‘a drug-free zone’
KwaThema - Members of the SAPS, EMPD, the Department of Social Development, SANCA and other organisations visited Phulong Secondary School under the leadership of Thabang Xaba, chairperson of the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC).
The LDAC facilitates substance abuse programmes in communities.
Their visit to the school came after more than 70 learners suffering with substance abuse responded to the call made by the school principal, Jabulani Nyoni, to get help.
He also committed himself and the staff to support, and walk the journey with, those who came forward for help.
Xaba encouraged those present to look beyond their circumstances and always to strive to do their best to improve themselves.
“We need to make Phulong a drug-free zone.”
Xaba urged the parents to stand against the wrongs they witness in society and support the educators in making sure the culture of teaching and learning becomes a priority in all areas of learning.
Principal Nyoni says the campaign is ongoing in the school.
“I want to give my learners as much information as possible about these substances and the dangers of using them, with the hope that they will make more informed decisions.”
The LDAC committed to ensuring there will be constant visibility of the EMPD and SAPS around the school premises to hinder dealers from lurking there.
KwaThema police spokesman, Warrant Officer Peter Tebeila, says they were concerned about the learners who were addicted to drugs.
“It is not only the responsibility of the school and the community to fight drugs but also the police’s.
“It concerned us that the learners in the lower grades were already addicted and experimenting with drugs.
Tebeila says the community can only defeat the challenge of substance abuse if everybody joins hands.
“We will only be able to remove the drug lords in the community through the help of the residents.
“They can report them anonymously on 10111 or contact the KwaThema police on 011 812 4608,” he says.
The committee has also assigned three life coaches to the school from SANCA and the Thabang Xaba Foundation.
Asivukeni & Lashonilanga Art Productions will facilitate art and culture programmes after school and during school holidays.
For any information on services available from the LDAC, call 011 999 6670 or 011 365 9065. (Standard rates apply.)
