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Actions needed to fight against drug abuse

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Action must be taken against drug peddlers and kingpins if the fight against drugs is to be won. This according to Gauteng MEC of Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, who attended an anti-drug initiative in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg at the weekend.

Today – 26th of June marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which was recognised in a special session by the UN General Assembly in 1987.

Nkosi-Malobane says awareness campaigns are important, but awareness alone is not enough.

“Whilst our awareness campaigns are key for our communities, what is also important is drug destruction. It’s  very important that drug dealers, people who are kingpins in this case, should get arrested and their manufacturing areas also need to be destroyed. Because you can’t just only educate and not act against drug dealers. We must actually do both. Act against drug dealers, and educate communities, particularly young people about the dangers of drugs.”

The police invite churches to play an active role in the fight against drug abuse if the war on drugs is to be won.

Police’s Sthembiso Shobede-Nkosi says because drugs and drug trafficking affects everyone in some way, “we should all do our part to keep South Africa drug free.”

“When my national commissioner was appointed, the key deliverable number seven of his strategy was about the divine intervention approach, and that makes us as the police to work closely with the churches in whatsoever type of crime might be taking place in the country – of which drugs and drug trafficking is one of the things that really challenges us.

“That is the reason to join hands with the church to say we are in, we want to work with each and every person who is prepared to work with us in fighting the issues of drug abuse and the trafficking of drugs in our country.”

The day is commemorated with different themes around the world annually, and the SABC Foundation also participates with various partners and interested groups.

Social activist and actress, Buhle Samuels, best known in her role as Matshidiso in television soapie Muvhango and Luleka Ntshongwana from Sukuma Sakhe development speak more on the problem with SABC News Morning Live.

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