Bikers, the community and even learners from all over the West Rand took a stand against drugs at a Charity Drug Run event held in Krugersdorp on Saturday, 19 August.
The event was hosted by Turn to Eternal Life Bible Ministries and was in aid of the fight against drugs. Pastor Edward van Schalkwyk and Sune Schutte from Randfontein organised the event which was attended by representatives from Radio Pulpit, learners from Krugersdorp High School, the Grace House Community Centre (a homeless shelter), Lara Fagan (former editor of the Herald), Hendrik van der Merwe from HTR Music Productions, folks from Deo Volente Rehabilitation Centre and a number of teenagers from Munsieville.
The bikers’ mass ride started at 8.30am at the BP Service Station on Luipaard Street in Krugersdorp. Afterwards, everyone met up at the Rand-en-Dal Clinic School.
Sandra Odendaal from Grace House Community Centre told the Herald they have 100 adults and 20 children in their care, and most of the patients’ problems are drug-related.
Liezel Lotriet from Grootjie se Kombuis was also there to fill hungry stomachs. There was also a number of stalls selling crafts and refreshments.
The Herald also spoke to a former prostitute, who was rescued from the streets by Pastor Edward van Schalkwyk and his team. They also succeeded in breaking her drug addiction, something that often goes hand-in-hand with prostitution. She is currently in hiding from her former Nigerian pimps.
Radio Pulpit also interviewed her, and a cancer survivor. The previous day, Pastor van Schalkwyk was interviewed on Radio Pulpit regarding the dangers of drugs.
The Herald asked three bikers, Abel Visagie, 20, Daniel van Rooyen, 33 and Jano Venter, 21, from the Bikers Club Megaforce West Rand, if they are against the use of dagga. Their answer was to the point – “It’s good for medicinal purposes, but only for that reason.”
Mphumi Malindisa, Jared Fagan and Masego Moasi, learners from KHS were there doing a community project selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the Grace House Community Centre.
The mission behind this run was made clear by the quote they use: “The only thing cool about drugs … is your body temperature when you are dead”.
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