Residents on another anti-drug campaign

“I am from the rubbish dump of society and I have destroyed many lives. I can never right the wrongs I have done but I can only sincerely apologise for my ways”

These were the words of an ex drug-dealer and previous convict who took to the stage at the Randfontein Secondary School in Toekomsrus on 22 June to apologise for being part of the drug problem in many societies during an anti-drug awareness campaign.

The area has been identified as one where drugs are a major headache.

According to parents, children as young as 8 years old are hooked on drugs.

Owing to this, Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA) gathered once again to strengthen their fight against substance abuse, but most importantly against drug dealers.

According to one of the mothers who spoke at the event but does not wish to be mentioned, a person from outside can never fully understand the difficulties of living with a drug addict.

“We have really become victims in our own homes. Our very own children threaten to kill us if we do not give in to their financial demands to support their habits.

“Owing to this, I urge us all to support one another and fight this problem tooth and nail because judging each other does not help,” says the woman.

“Today my child can be an addict but who is to say that tomorrow it won’t be yours?

“As a community, we cannot turn a blind and we should use such platforms to strengthen our fight.

“Enough is enough, and I am fed up,” says the woman.

Ex-drug addicts also took to the stage and gave testimonies of their lives in the hands of drugs.

They said that their lives have been greatly affected by all sorts of illegal substances and say that they are glad to have recovered.

Dereleene James who wrote a moving letter to President Jacob Zuma highlighting the problem of drugs in Elderado Park was also present at the event.

In her statement, she said that her goal was really to encourage families of drug addicts to stay strong and never give up on their loved ones who have turned to drugs..

“Apart from being troubled by my own son, I really wrote that letter on behalf of all the parents who are living with drug addicts because I understand their struggle.

“If anything, I urge that you be persistent in your fight and involve your community because they too can help.”