The youth sector in the area organised the march to highlight the negative effects of drugs, alcohol and crime.
About 450 people including the SAPS, EMPD and CPF marched through the streets of Mapleton to make a statement on the dangers of substance abuse.
Organisations such as Families South Africa (FAMSA), LoveLife, Sanca, CHAPS and other community NGOs were part of the event.
Nickel Hlungwane, organiser of the event, said they decided to host the march in Mapleton because a lot of young people in the area are under the influence of drugs and crime.
“We wanted to warn young people about the dangers of engaging in drugs as it destroys their future. Drugs also led to a lifestyle of crime.
“Some of the young people are not working, so in order to get a fix they need to commit crime to survive and feed their addiction,” Hlungwane said.
Hlungwane advised unemployed youth not to sit around and do nothing but instead volunteer at organisations such as LoveLife and save themselves from adopting bad habits.
After the march a career expo was staged where young people were informed about different career paths, job preparation and bursaries.
Khehla Madlala, ward 95 councillor, said events like these are important to empower and address certain social ills.
