uMhlanga ward councillor begins anti-drug campaign for schools

UMHLANGA ward councillor, Heinz de Boer has begun a new drugs awareness programme for the north Durban area. De Boer has partnered with Prestondale resident Chad Russouw and his sniffer dog, Tyson. De Boer said the programme was more than just saying no to drugs, but also about the dangers of drugs and how it affects your school life. Although in its infant stages, the programme is aimed primarily at school children but also at adults.

He urged residents to report any drug use in the area and that this initiative shows how local people really do care about their community.

“Drugs have been a big problem in the ward, people just don’t realise the extent. In recent times there has been a number of high profile busts of drug labs in the area. The use of recreational drugs is very high and this is filtering down to young adults. It’s occurred to me quite a while back to start a programme like this, in particular, targeting young school children. With this anti-drug campaign we are also addressing other social ills such as bullying and abuse,” he said.

Read also: Million rand drug bust in uMhlanga

While he is yet to roll the programme out to schools in the area, De Boer is confident local schools will get behind the progamme.

“We can’t take the ostrich with it head buried approach, drugs are a very real problem in this ward and they are in schools in and around Durban. We are looking at talking to Grade 6s and 7s who are on the cusp of high school where the peer pressure is much higher. We need young children to be sensitised to the consequences of being found with drugs,” he said.

If you are interested in the campaign, email De Boer on durbanward35@gmail.com.

Read also: Drug dealer nabbed with R220 000 worth of drugs

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