In a direct, on-the-ground response to escalating warnings regarding substance abuse in Nelson Mandela Bay, a local community coalition successfully distributed over 2,000 educational resources to incoming university students and residents in Central Gqeberha this week.
-- In a direct, on-the-ground response to escalating warnings regarding substance abuse in Nelson Mandela Bay, a local community coalition successfully distributed over 2,000 educational resources to incoming university students and residents in Central Gqeberha this week.
The localized outreach, spearheaded by Drug-Free World volunteers, comes at a critical time for the Metro. According to recent Eastern Cape Crime Statistics, while the overall crime rate has seen a slight decrease, incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs have surged by 22.5%.
The grassroots mobilization was designed to intercept the influence of local drug networks before the academic year officially begins. The initiative directly mirrors concerns recently raised by civic leaders. During a recent visit to the Metro, Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia noted that drug markets and gang networks are fortifying their influence in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Echoing this urgency, Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe recently stated, “We do not want our children growing up believing that crime is a legitimate means of survival, or that activities such as drug dealing, extortion, hijacking, and vandalism can elevate individuals into role models.”
Operating in the city center, volunteers engaged directly with students, store managers, and local security personnel. To foster public accountability, residents were invited to sign interactive pledge boards, publicly committing to leading a drug-free lifestyle and educating their peers.
“The arrival of students marks an exciting, busy season for the city, but we must ensure they aren't tricked into thinking a 'high' is the way to handle academic stress and pressure,” said Sabelo Bless, who spearheads the community initiative, which operates with the support of the Church of Scientology of the Eastern Cape. “Not too long ago, I mentioned the need for consistency in providing this information to the community. These booklets provide real, secular facts, and testimonials that provide a reality check to those contemplating substance use.”
The Truth About Drugs booklets distributed during the campaign are designed to answer questions parents and teenagers face regarding the true, localized effects of narcotics.
“We will continue working with the city, schools, civic organizations, and community leaders to spread the truth,” concluded Bless. “The ultimate aim is a drug-free Eastern Cape.”
Contact Info:
Name: Sandile Hlayisi
Email: Send Email
Organization: Foundation For A Drug Free World Africa
Address: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.scientology-easterncape.org/
Video URL: https://youtu.be/iQVrtkst3Ns
Release ID: 89184863
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