Thembalihle Combined School held a peaceful march today (October 17) to raise awareness about social ills such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.

Learner Support officer Mr Nkanyiso Mchunu said this was not the school’s first march, but this year they strengthened their campaign by involving key stakeholders like the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, SAPS, Correctional Services and others.

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“We are facing a serious problem at the school because of some people in the community who allegedly sell drugs to learners,” said Mchunu. “Since we are a combined school, we also involved the younger pupils so they can learn from an early age that drugs and teenage pregnancy are not to be taken lightly.”

The Health and Social Development departments gave vital advice to the children on how to protect themselves if they are already sexually active. They emphasised the importance of taking HIV prevention medication known as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis).

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