“Drugs prevented me from realising my dreams,” said Shani Krebs, recovering addict, ex-convict and best-selling author of Dragons and Butterflies.
Speaking at a recent Orange Grove anti-drug drive, Krebs provided a crowd of wide-eyed local children with a no-holds-barred account of his 18 years in a Thai prison, following a 1994 conviction for heroin trafficking.
“The choices you make define who you are… Make a choice today and say no to drugs,” Krebs urged.
Krebs, as well as the Norwood Community Policing Forum, the Sector 4 Crime Forum, and the leaders of church, scout and child care groups at Orange Grove Park, where they entertained and educated local children about the dangers of drugs.
The sombre testimonies of Krebs and other recovering addicts were offset by a morning of fun activities. The winners of face-painting, dancing and singing competitions received meal vouchers from Toninos Pizzeria, while Pick n Pay and Friends Bakery sponsored food for those attending.
A festive atmosphere was created by the sea of yellow T-shirts sponsored by Gauteng Provincial Government, City of Johannesburg and Soul City, while DJs Icon, Rasta and Masondo kept everyone dancing with their energetic entertainment and popular beats.
Organisers sent a vote of thanks to the Hillbrow Pathfinders Troop, who not only helped publicise the event, but provided an impressive marching display. Sydwell Thwala of the City of Johannesburg Region E social development department attended to remind the community of available support structures, and proceedings ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of master of ceremonies Chad Thomas of sponsoring company, IRS Forensic Investigations.
This event was only the first step in an ongoing anti-drug initiative planned by the Orange Grove and Norwood communities, said Thomas.
“Please support your community and community initiatives that help in the upliftment of residents and the reduction in crime and poverty. Never forget the adage ‘It takes a village to raise a child’,” he added.
