By Bhekisisa Mncube
Newcastle – President Jacob Zuma’s message that alcohol and drug abuse in particular, are slowly eating into the social fibre of communities resonated well with the young people.
Speaking to SAnews on Sundayon the sidelines of the 37th commemoration of National Youth Day held in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, young people echoed the words of the President and promised to live clean lives.
Simphiwe Khumalo, 18, told SAnews that he had just buried his aunt a few hours earlier. She had died of drug overdose. “I arrived late to this function because my aunt was found dead in the toilet last night. She was hooked on drugs,” Khumalo said.
He said the President’s message on drugs and substance abuse is a message of hope. “Drugs destroy young people’s hope and dreams. They kill the future of our country. My friends and I have made a pact not to do any drugs.”
Sphamandla Buthelezi, 19, said drugs make young people lose focus. “The Youth of 1976 gave us freedom. We must hold onto to it and focus on building our futures without any distraction such as substance abuse, drugs and alcohol,” Buthelezi said.
Buthelezi’s words were echoed by Sibusiso Sindane who also paid tribute to the 1976 generation – “They fought for freedom. They said no to drugs and alcohol. The thing is people think they are using drugs; in fact drugs are using you. The President must be applauded to focussing on this scourge. We must take the message home,” Sindane said.
Mbali Gumbi, 22, said she would never waste her hard earned money on alcohol or drugs. “I think the President should just declare alcohol illegal altogether,” Gumbi said.
She added that young people hooked on drugs lose control of their lives. Some rob their parents, they stop going to school, and it affects their brain power. “It is a very dangerous route to use and abuse any drug. I am happy the President came here in person to drive the message home.”
Meanwhile, Joanne Bester, 15, said young people must choose right friends. “I don’t mix with the wrong crowd. We thank the President for reminding us about how difficult the road to freedom was. It is up to us now to protect and nurture our freedom,” Bester said.
“I promise the President that I won’t do alcohol, drugs or any illegal substance,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
