Local resident Cherlyn Tshabangu is determined to get drug dealers out of Krugersdorp, and to rehabilitate as well as educate drug-addicted underage sex workers and eventually reunite them with their families.
Believing that the rise in crime in Krugersdorp could be attributed to high rates of drug dealing and forced sex work, Cherlyn started a clean-up operation called Asilweni Cleaning Streets.
Founded two years ago, Asilweni aims to help rehabilitate drug-addicted sex workers and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
The organisation runs campaigns on drug abuse awareness, how to identify illegal drugs, and they educate residents on how to get help with their addictions and whom to speak to regarding their problems.
“We help all age groups that are affected by substance abuse and prostitution through counselling as well as detox programmes,” says Tshabangu.
“We also work in collaboration with Home Affairs to verify the identities of the drug dealers and prostitutes, and we locate the families of the girls who had fallen victim to human trafficking in the Krugersdorp area.”
In addition Asilweni works closely with the South African Police Service’s Missing Persons Unit to identify the girls they work with, helping to rehabilitate and reunite them with their families.
The organisation also works with Crime Line, Lead SA, the Department of Social Development and other organisations on the West Rand.
“We are networking with other African states and hope to work closely with them as well in the near future to fight drugs, prostitution and human trafficking.
“We want to ensure that we have volunteers in all areas and at all times helping the community if need be,” says Tshabangu.
She talks about the organisation’s main aim, stating that they hope to restore communities within Krugersdorp and make them safe and conducive for everybody to live in.”
The organisation also involves the community in its effort to eradicate crime and organises marches to protest against the drug dealing.
“Last month we had a successful march to demonstrate against drugs and prostitution around the West Rand area and we were part of the committee that organised the march. Following that we were involved in the march in Kagiso where we sent a message to the dealers there that we were leaving no stone unturned and were intensifying our operations,” says Tshabangu.
How to help
Asilweni needs donations towards a car or taxi fares to help take their young charges back to their families, and towards medication to help wean the women off the substances. The funds also will go towards food parcels and toiletries.
Asilweni in addition is looking to form partnerships with local municipalities and businesses.
For more information on how to help, contact Cherlyn Tshabangu on 073 960 0905 or email her at tshabanguc@gmail.com.
