Chinese community takes a stand against drugs

The tears shed by those watching their loved ones succumb to drugs prompted high ranking Chinese officials to act before it is too late.

The Chinese community in Cyrildene, spoke out on the impact drugs is having on them, at the launch of the All Chinese in South Africa Anti-Drug Day campaign held on Wednesday.

Mr Gavin Gao, the deputy chief executive officer of the Chinese Community Police Forum (CCPF), said the number of Chinese youth using drugs is frightening.
“It is increasing and we cannot allow this to go on. Children who do not have parents are turning to drugs. Some are so far gone that they are mentally and physically ill. There was a woman who tried to commit suicide twice and a man who tried once, recently. Both of them tried to commit suicide by jumping into Bruma Lake. We took them to a place where they could seek professional help and support,” said Mr Gao.
Among the delegates who attended the event were the police attaché from the Embassy of People’s Republic of China, Mr Wang Zhigang, consul from the General Consulate of People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg, Mr Zuo Baoliang and Mr Xu Jingjing, and Clr Michael Sun from the City of Johannesburg.
Mr Siu Hong, the chairman of the Chinese CPF, said, “Tik, cocaine and a number of other drugs are starting to poison our community. The reality is drug trafficking and drug abuse not only causes great harm to the drug user but it ruins the family and creates social problems in the community. There are cases of theft and robbery committed by drug users. This is why we have no choice but to join forces with others and fight drug trafficking and abuse,” said Mr Hong.
He urged the community to spend more time with their children. “Our community spends more time on business to create better living conditions for their families. This is fine but it should not be the reason to ignore proper education and guidance to our young generation. Family members must keep a close eye on youngsters. We must understand that drug abuse will ruin the lives of our children and destroy the whole community in the long term,” said Mr Hong.
He described the day as a historical one as it was the first time that Chinese residents stood up to fight drugs. Chinese delegates called on Cleveland SAPS to work with them. They said they were prepared to do whatever it takes to eradicate drugs. They are not prepared to sit back, complain and watch their children die. The Chinese CPF has already started its fight against drugs. It is on a drive to educate Chinese adults and children about drugs throughout Johannesburg.
Cleveland SAPS management have committed to working closely with the Cyrildene community and others to tackle drugs.
Colonel Nkosinathi Miya, said it is everyone’s responsibility, not just the police, to stand up and fight against drugs.
Mr Hong urged all residents to work together to build drug-free communities.