Walk held to raise awareness against drug abuse
The Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Walk was organised by the St James Methodist Woman’s Fellowship East Rand branch.
An initiative to raise awareness against drug abuse was held in Vosloorus on June 15.
The walk was held in line with Youth Day on June 16. In June 16, 1976, young people from Soweto protested against apartheid policies which resulted in the introduction of the Bantu Education Act in 1953. The protests turned into an uprising against the government, which ended up spreading all over the country.
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Protesters began at the Vosloorus Police Station at 9am end ended at the St James Methodist Church premises in Vosloorus two hours later.
Vosloorus CPF, SAPS, patrollers, youth desk, EMPD, community members and organisations that work with drug addicts came in their numbers to partake in the walk.
On the protesters’ arrival at the church premises, they were warmly welcomed by the church members. Speeches to motivate young people were delivered by three former drug addicts later on and two women who came forward to talk openly about their positive HIV status.
They said because of stigma, it was not easy for them to come forward and speak openly about what they are supposed to keep secret. They said they were doing it out of love for the youth of today. They don’t want the youth to make the same mistakes they did.
Christopher Tsiyane, one of the former drug addicts who delivered a motivational talk, advised young people to stay away from drugs.
“Drugs are not only dangerous, but can also make you lose everything you have,” said Tsiyane.
Nonhlanhla Mcunu, one of the HIV and Aids activists, told young people she does not know how she got infected, but afters she found out she was HIV positive she accepted it and started to live her life positively.
“Despite the stigma that goes with being HIV positive, it is still important to tell someone you trust about your status, someone who is going to give you moral support,” said Mcunu.
Zodwa Buthezi, the chairperson of St James Methodist Woman’s Fellowship, said the purpose of the day is for God to intervene in their fight against drug abuse in the township.
She said she wants the youth to copy what the youth of 1976 did and fight for a good course instead of destroying their lives with drugs.
“The youth of 1976 lost their lives fighting for the rights of young people. But the very same young people who are supposed to be beneficiaries of the struggle turn a deaf ear to the lives lost in 1976 instead of grabbing the opportunity to better their lives with both hands. They turn to drugs instead,” said Buthelezi.
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Slindile Mnyandu, vice-president of the St James Methodist Church Young Women Manyano, said young people’s usage of drugs in the township is increasing and it is bad for the community’s economy.
“I believe this happens because of when given an opportunity to assist drug addicts people tend to focus more on symptoms instead of the source of the problem.”
She said people no longer care for one another and that parents do not give their children love and enough attention.
