The anti-drug march organised by a community organisation called I’m Pure Gold and Outreach for Christ, a Windmill Park-based church, was held in the township on June 29.
Despite the poor turn out, the small group of marchers, mostly children, took to the streets of the township to make a statement against drug dealers accused of destroying the youth of the township.
Escorted by members of the SAPS and EMPD, the marchers gathered on Barry Marais Road, marched along East Central Road and several other streets in the township before they headed down to the park next to Outreach for Christ Church, where another host of activities were held.
During the event, speakers from different organisations, including Sanca, Department of Social Development and I’m Pure Gold, gave talks on crime, substance abuse, a healthy lifestyle and other issues affecting the youth.
One of the event organisers, Anita Ziwane, said the campaign was organised to give the community members an opportunity to voice their concerns about drug dens and to conscientise the youth of the rampant drug dealing and usage in the township.
“There is a growing problem of drugs and violent crimes, including robberies, break-ins and carjacking, in our area. We have to stand up and save our children from the drug menace, and condemn the spreading culture of violence,” said Ziwane.
Ziwane said the march was not a once-off event, but part of I’m Pure Gold’s overall strategy in the fight against drugs in the coloured-dominated communities around Boksburg.
The newly formed organisation will be leading a youth anti-drug campaign that aims to encourage the youth to say no to drugs.
“The team, which consists of leaders from Groeneweide, Graceland, Reiger Park and Windmill Park, has embarked on a long-haul fight to help prevent the youth from taking drugs and pull others out of the drug cycle,” said Ziwane.
The Dawn Park SAPS spokesperson, Const Nkemeleng Mabula, admitted that there have been a growing drug trade and substance abuse problems in Windmill Park. She said the police are working with community leaders to try and address the problems faced by the community.
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