Pure Living Christian Centre in conjunction with the Turn to Eternal Life Bible Ministries launched their drug campaign this past weekend with a stall outside Randgate Spar.
The campaign is called the Reality Check Drug Awareness Campaign where Edward van Schalkwyk was on hand to give information on drugs. People were also asked to sign a petition against drugs and the Randfontein community responded well to the initiative.
According to Edward the drug consumption in South Africa is twice the world norm (CDA-2009) and 15 per cent of South Africa’s population has a drug problem. He also explained that drug abuse is costing South Africa an estimated R20 billion a year and could pose a bigger threat to the country’s future than the HIV/Aids pandemic.
“According to SAPS figures, 60 percent of crimes nationally were related to substance abuse. In the Western Cape, the figure was closer to 80 per cent. The perpetrators of these crimes are either under the influence of substances, or trying to secure money for their next fix,” Edward explained.
Edward also said that in 2004, government disbanded the SA Narcotics Bureau (SANAB), a dedicated drug-fighting unit within the police that had achieved some notable successes and since its closure, drug-related crimes have increased exponentially – in fact by 30 percent.
If you have a drug problem or have a family member or friend with one, you can contact Edward on 079 127 9054.
