Support anti-dagga pickets

Monday, August 14, 2017

As the case to legalise dagga is being heard at the North Gauteng Court, Gauteng Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza has urged more Gauteng residents to join the picket against the legalisation, use and possession of dagga.

The matter was brought to the court by a couple, Julian Stopps and Myrtle Clarke, who are challenging the South African Laws that prohibit dagga.

The MEC praised the growing number of Gauteng residents who picketed outside the court, warning that dagga is a serious problem in communities, and it was a gateway to more harmful drugs.

“We will continue to mobilise Local Drug Action Committees, NPOs, Recovering Service Users, families, Faith Based Organizations, and as many people of Gauteng as possible to participate. Dagga addiction causes misery in communities and the negative effects are long lasting. The mental institutions are full to the brim with service users suffering from substance induced psychosis.

“Dagga in the township is popular amongst teenagers mostly those of school going age. As a result schools are battling with teaching and learning and treatment centres are always full with young people addicted to dagga. The ill-effects of cannabis misuse and abuse in our communities cannot be denied,” MEC Mayathula-Khoza said.

The department is supporting the picket with T-shirts and posters with the theme “Keep it 100 Gauteng City Region say no to legalisation of dagga,” and other messages against legalisation of dagga. – SAnews.gov.za