02-07-2025
Lekwa Municipality urges united community action on drug abuse
The Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM) commemorated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a community-focused event at the Sakhile Stadium on June 27.
In his opening address, Mayor Sifiso Mngemezulu highlighted the urgent need to move beyond awareness campaigns and implement practical interventions in the fight against substance abuse.
'Drug abuse is not merely a local crisis, but a global epidemic,' said Mngemezulu.
According to Lubabalo Majenge, the communications officer for the LLM, the mayor emphasised the importance of targeting interventions at the school level, noting that young learners are among the most vulnerable to drug use and peer pressure.
'Municipalities, government departments and civil society organisations must build stronger bonds to stand against this growing crisis,' Mngemezulu urged.
A key part of his address was a call for greater protection of whistleblowers, who he said play a vital role in exposing drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
'Whistleblower protection is a vital component of a comprehensive, community-driven response to substance abuse,' the mayor added.
The event also showcased the municipality's ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse.
These include:
• door-to-door awareness campaigns;
• school outreach and educational visits;
• parenting workshops;
• community-driven incentives;
• youth skills development initiatives.
Majenge noted that local youth are steered towards education and away from harmful habits through the skills programmes offered by the Gert Sibande TVET College and Sakhile youth centres.
The municipality's message was clear: Substance abuse requires a co-ordinated, long-term response, with the involvement of families, teachers, community leaders and law enforcement.
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