Learners pledge to stay away from drugs

Duduza – Over 2 000 learners from five high schools in Kwatsaduza were educated about the dangers of drugs during a drug awareness campaign held at the Duduza Multipurpose Centre on Friday.

The theme of the event was “Pens up, drugs down” as part of the ongoing #sekwanele_not_in_my name project hosted by the Ekurhuleni SAPS East Cluster.

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Learners were given a chance to pledge their support by denouncing the culture of pens down, which involves drinking alcohol while wearing a school uniform.

Duduza police spokesperson, Sgt Harry Manaka, says the objective of the campaign was to sensitise the learners about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse.

“We also emphasised the importance of working together and enhancing strategic partnerships among government departments, entities and NGOs that share a common goal of fighting against substance abuse.

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“We also used the initiative to reflect on the successes attained through the drug-related cases.

“We are happy that some of the former substance users in the area have successfully undergone rehabilitation.

“They are now part of a touring choir group that motivates other users to quit using drugs,” he says.

Ekurhuleni East Cluster Brig Thembeka Gwebushe reiterated the fact that the SAPS will continue to play a role in ensuring the safety of the community, especially in fighting against substance abuse.

“Learners play an important role in the development and future of the country, so losing them to drugs is not an option,” he says.

Gwebushe says they also appreciate the involvement of the local liquor traders forum who also committed and pledged never to sell liquor to learners or any underage person.

“We should all work together to protect the future of our country and ensure that our learners don’t do drugs, in or out of school,” he says.