Makeke fight againt drugs

The awareness campaign took place on Friday last week.

It was led by the founder of the centre, Ms Catherine Makeke.

“Do not let drugs use you,” said Ms Makeke.

About 34 recovering addicts also attended the campaign, which was also supported by Bafana Maphela from the Youth Sector in Ward 9.

Ms Makeke called on residents to be proactive in the fight against drug abuse.

“We urge residents to take part and support our innocent youth, who fall into trap of drugs. We appeal for your support even if you do not have a child using drugs,” she said.

Ms Makeke added that they are worried and scared about the number of people using drugs in the community.

“We are also calling on taxi drivers to stop giving addicts R1 when bringing passengers to their vehicles. We feel they are supporting the usage of drugs,” she added.

One of the recovering youngsters, Mr Nhlanhla Mthethwa, said he started drugs after his grandmother died in 1997.

“Life was hard as there was no one to look after me. I was only 16. I had to survive by selling mealies on the street in Edenvale,” he added.

An orphan, Mr Mthethwa (26) said he was introduced to nyaope by one of his friends.

“While using nyaope, I was arrested for house breaking. I served four years in jail. I came out and tried to make a living for myself but it was difficult,” he said.

He added that he lived on the street for one and a half years.

“I was picked up by an old friend from school when he saw me digging in the dustbins at Swazi Inn. After that I was introduced to the Makeke Centre for Recovery. I now have more days when I do not use nyaope at all. I intend to stop using drugs as they have destroyed my life,” he added.

The Makeke Drug Addicted Centre is appealing for any donations to keep the centre going.

For more information, or to make a donation, phone 084 770 4058 or 074 026 8810.