Drama group to fight drug abuse

A recently launched drama group by a number of young actors from Zone 5, Seshego aims at creating awareness about the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse which is reportedly rife in the area.
The group consists of 20 members, all learners of local primary and secondary schools. They made their debut performance during an Operation Pimp My Kasi (make my neighbourhood a better place) social event in the neighbourhood’s community hall on Saturday.
Group leader, Lethabo Mankga believes the message in the drama will touch the addicts and help them repent. “Drug and alcohol abuse is rampant in the area and we felt that as young people we should do something about it. We wanted to create awareness about the scourge through drama because we felt it is an appropriate medium to raise our concerns. Youth is the future of the country but drugs have taken over in young people’s lives and if we don’t act now we are going to lose future leaders.
“In the group we have poets, public speakers and dancers all of whom though their performances help to create the awareness,” Mankga said.
She also added that the fight against social ills should not be an individual battle but a collective effort. “We need to help the addicts because on their own they can’t. Some are in the situation because of peer pressure and some have resorted to drugs because of family issues. They don’t know how to get out. I feel we should not isolate them but reach out to them and involve them in our youth projects and show them positive things,” added Mankga.
Event organiser, Dipuo Mokgolo said the main goal was to urge young people to desist from drug abuse and substance. “Lots of young people in the area have resorted to nyaope, a dangerous street drug that is highly addictive and destructive. This drug is very dangerous and many of the young people have dropped out of school because of it. With this event we just wanted to create awareness about drugs and also give hope to addicts who are trying to change,” Mokgolo said.

Story and photo: Herbert Rachuene
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