A GROUP of local bikers have banded together to fight drug abuse and on Monday, 11 August launched a Bikers Against Drugs (BAD) awareness campaign at Toti High School.
Pupil and teachers were shown a video on the different types of drugs and the dangers thereof and addressed by the bikers and ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge.
“We don’t plan on being vigilantes. Once we have garnered information on the dealers, we will pass it on to the relevant authorities,” said Doc Holman of BAD.
He revealed statistics, which showed that the three areas most affected by drugs in South Durban are Chatsworth, Toti and Bluff. “Some 15% of South Africa’s population of some 52-million is involved in drugs. It is spiraling out of control.”
Doc spoke of his own personal experience and how his daughter, Bianca was affected by drugs. “My life was picture perfect until my daughter got hooked. Drugs affects everyone, not only the person taking it, but those around them.”
Bianca (21) is also working with BAD. A recovered heroin addict, she briefly spoke about her addiction. “I started with drinking, smoking weed and later got hooked on heroin. I was in rehab for two years, I did not complete matric.”
She described taking drugs as fun in the beginning, but it doesn’t last long. “Five years later, I am still battling the consequences. I could have been dead, I should have been in jail. Through the grace of God, I am standing here and I am here to help.”
Cllr Andre Beetge is supporting BAD. “Fighting drugs is a community effort. It’s reality. During monthly nightclub inspections, we see what’s going on out there.”
For more information about BAD, visit www.bikersagainstdrugs.co.za; Facebook page – KZN bikers against drugs or WhatsApp anonymous tip-offs to 073-486-7423.
