Zandspruit residents celebrated Youth Day in a unique way.
On June 15, the non-governmental organisation, South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) hosted a Youth Day celebration at Emthonjeni Community Centre.
The event was not only intended to honour the youth of 1976 who fought for better education but its purpose was to eradicate drug use in the area.
Community members flocked to celebrate the day under the theme of remembering the youth of 1976 with a clear mind.
Khensani Mashele, the organisation’s outreach coordinator said, “We are trying to make everyone understand that we have different issues that affect us as individuals and that we need to support each other.”
Mashele stressed the importance of adults setting a good example and living a healthy lifestyle for the younger generations who look up to them.
“Youth are the ones who are mostly using the substances and they are the future of tomorrow, so the event also encouraged the youth to never attempt to take drugs and encouraged those who need help to seek assistance,” said Mokgaetji Malebana, a peer educator at Sanca.
Attendee Lukhanyile Cube voiced her appreciation for the event and said, “I like that it encourages children not to get involved in alcohol and drugs and end up doing things they will later rue the next day.”
“It educates young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and I think it is vital for them to be taught about that,” said another resident, Moses Kgatla.
The SAPS, JMPD, Consumer Affairs, COJ departments of health, human settlements, transport and labour, Government Communication and Information System, Impact Africa and Right to Care were the stakeholders of the event.
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