Is a Drug-Free Tshwane Possible?  

Foundation for a Drug-Free World Africa says “Yes.”

Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa hosted the Tshwane Anti-Substance Abuse Movement Launch in Saulsville Township near Attridgeville in April. The program takes aim at the social and personal chaos caused by drug abuse, including drug-related deaths, crime and human trafficking. The suburb of Sunnyside and the townships of Attridgeville and Eersterust are among the most in need of intervention.

Executive Director of Drug-Free World Tshwane Robert Monareng and Coordinator for Drug-Free World Africa and Director of Special Affairs of the Church of Scientology Pretoria, Maurithus Meiring, were among the 800 concerned community leaders attending. On board were police, anti-substance stakeholders, government officials and local drug action committee members. Former Bafana Bafana Soccer legend Jabu Pule, candid about his former alcohol addiction, lent his voice and experience to the campaign.

Thanking the mayor for bringing together the entire community, Meiring said, “It won't be one organization that handles the drug problem, but many organizations with the same goal and purpose.”

Drug-Free World volunteers handed out more than 800 The Truth About Drugs booklets to those attending and signed up 60 new volunteers to promote drug-free living through distributing drug prevention materials or conducting drug education lectures.

“Education is the most effective tool against drugs,” said Meiring. “The drug problem can be handled in Tshwane. We need to reach our youth before the drugs do.”