Marching against drugs and prostitution

Residents are sick and tired of the drug infested and prostitute-ridden slums in Krugersdorp and aims to clean up the streets one march at a time.

Since the launch of the non profit organisation Asilweni Cleaning Streets in 2012, warm-hearted residents have made it their mission to spread the word about drug abuse and prostitution in Krugersdorp’s notorious drug alley; Sivewright Street.

“Our mission and vision is to help clean up our streets of drugs and prostitution through different programmes that we offer as an organisation that includes referral of trafficking victims to safe houses and rehabs, counselling, skills development, life coaching, campaigns and awareness campaigns and community upliftment programs according to the demographics of the area,” says Cherlyn Tshabangu, chairperson of Asilweni.

Asilweni has contributed to the Krugersdorp community by joining forces with the Drug Committee Forum where they have been working behind the scenes to assist in the drug and prostitute crises in the community.

“We have since realised that the number of prostitutes and drug dealers is increasing in Krugersdorp and this is affecting not only the community but threatening the business sector of the area. These concerns are also shared by the Drug Committee Forum which has led to us considering a different approach to what we do.”

Earlier in April the team kicked off their Help Save our Girls and Community campaign by distributing flyers to households in Siverwright Street and Wentworth Park about the challenges faced by the community.

The team is inviting volunteers to take hands with them as they will take to the streets on 7 May to create awareness and hand out more flyers.

For more information or donate contact Cherlyn by emailing cherlyn@asilweni.co.za or visit www.asilweni.com.

Related article:

• Resident walks the streets to save victims of human trafficking