Nellmapius organisation fight drugs with sports
The founder started the organisation after he lost two of his boys, aged 29 and 33, who died four months apart because of drugs.
A local organisation in Nellmapius wants to help vulnerable children and young people to live better lives by keeping them busy with sports and discussing social issues.
Ponelo Pele Projects is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 2021 by Sheriff Masuku from Nellmapius extension 8.
The organisation wants to save the local youths from drug abuse and gangsterism.
Masuku started Ponelo Pele after he lost two of his boys, aged 29 and 33, only months apart to drugs.
“It is our aim that no child shall enter the school premises in Nellmapius carrying drugs and dangerous weapons,” he said.
Every day before school starts around 07:00, Masuku would search all schoolboys entering the school premises.
“The well-being of schoolchildren comes first. It is up to us as parents to make sure that the children are safe at all times.”
He will meet up with anyone found with drugs or weapons after school to discuss social issues such as bullying. The organisation has also come up with programmes to keep learners busy and away from crime and drugs.
They participate in different sports activities from Monday to Friday in the afternoon.
The project has grown and moved to other areas in Nellmapius where they have two sports grounds where they have soccer and netball balls, jerseys, crickets, etc. thanks to donations.
Masuku said they desperately need donations of goalposts for soccer and netball.
Ponelo Pele has thus far helped more than 50 young people by sending them to rehabilitation centres. Recently, he held a successful drug and alcohol awareness campaign in extension 8.
“I expect learners to carry books and other study materials in their schoolbags but am always disappointed to find dagga, cigarettes, weapons, matchboxes and drugs.
“Today, I am however pleased that the learners have since come clean and no longer carry dangerous weapons and drugs.
“There is a lot that needs to be done at the school. Within our community, we are planning to have someone who can assist in searching the school girls in the morning.”
Masuku’s goal is to start a drop-in centre for Nellmapius to feed children after school and help them with schoolwork.
He invited the whole community to attend the drug and substance abuse campaign to be held at the multi-purpose centre in Nellmapius extension 4 on May 20.
Anyone who wishes to know more about the Ponelo Pele project or wants to assist the organisation can contact Sheriff Masuku at 081 893 5462.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
