DA condemns increasing drug use in Kwa-Thema; calls on the City to do more

by Cllr. Precious Jacobs — DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 24 February 2022

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is concerned over increasing drug use within the community of Kwa-Thema.

Of particular concern is the young age of these drug users. On the 19th of February 2022, its alleged three children of the ages of 15, 11 and 9 were found using drugs and were in such a state they had to be taken to the local clinic to receive medical treatment.

On the following Sunday, a community meeting between the Community Policing Forum, local councillors and community leaders was held to formulate responses to address the ongoing crisis. One of the resolutions from the meeting was for authorities to better inform parents of the availability of drugs in the community, as well as encourage them to inform their children of the dangers of drug use.

The DA calls on the Department of Health and Social Development to do more in the fight against drugs, as parents are losing their children to drug abuse on a daily basis. In addition, we call on every member of the community to stand up against the scourge of drug abuse, which is robbing our children of their youth and their future.

The DA condemns drug abuse of any kind and considers it a dire threat to the prosperity and health of our communities. As such, we urge residents to make use of the South African Drug Abuse Helpline on 0800 121 314 as well as report an illegal drug activity to the police.

Cllr. Precious Jacobs

DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni