BURGERSFORT – The local police station held another crime-awareness campaign at Papa V lodge in Dresden on August 27. It was attended by local pastors, teachers and parents from all over Tubatse.
Also present was the station commander of Burgersfort police Col Ronnie van Niekerk and cluster chairman, brigadier Sylvia Ledwaba. The campaign centered around the disadvantages of using drugs.
Schools invited to attend were Steelpoort Academy, Calvin College, St Thomas College, and the Kgahlanong, Mashupe, Mogale Wa Bagale and Manoke high schools.
Learners participated in extra mural activities such as dramas and speeches while others recited poems that depicted the effects and dangers of drugs in communities.
The main aim of the campaign was to urge learners to refrain from criminal activities and to stop the abuse of alcohol.
Dr Motlatso Phiri was among the motivational speakers and she careful explained the negative affects of drugs to the community.
“There are four stages of smoking namely experimental, recreational, regular use and dependency stage. The last stage is the one for the addicts, if you are in the forth stage it becomes difficult to quit.
“In order to be successful you have to choose life and God. Respect is one key aspect; whenever you choose friends I encourage you to choose good ones. Not the ones who will encourage you to go parting said Phiri.
A grade 12 learner, Thalliot Nkosi of Kgahlanong, shared his touching story with the attendees.
“I am an ex-drug addict, I used to bunk classes and insulted my educators. Because of my bad behaviour, I failed my grade 10 on six occasions. I am 23 years old and still in high school.”
Nkosi urged his peers to stay far away from drugs, “I am now drug-free, and I thank my teachers for the support,” he added.
According to the event coordinator, Const Victoria Maluleka, the objective of the campaign was to create awareness and understanding about substance abuse and its dangers.
“In trying to solve the scourge we urged them to portray activities that will help in combating crime and drug abuse in their plays. Some plays even showed how the abuse of drugs and substance abuse lead to crime.
“We also want to educate and assist those affected by drugs by giving them information about where to get help so as to put a stop to the abuse of both drugs and alcohol.
The top three schools were awarded with trophies for their outstanding performances. In the drama competition, St Thomas College wast he proud winner, with Mogale Wa Bagale second and Kgahlanong in third.
St Thomas teacher Mr Mind Dhanere told Steelburger/Lydenburg news his school had rehearsed a lot for the event.
“Crime is the major concern in this country and was a perfect theme for the event. I believe the panel of judges were spot-on in choosing our school as the overall winner of the drama competition. We were definitely outstanding.”
The campaign was not the first as the station had previously conducted the “Crime does not pay,” campaign held at the Corner Stone Church. There they advised local primary school learners on the dangers of crime.
The event was sponsored by Pick n Pay (Steelpoort) Samancor Chrome mine, Boxer superstores and Meat King.
