Emalahleni Council Speaker, Cllr Millicent Shabangu addresses students at Mehlwana Secondary School.
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PHOLA – The Emalahleni Local Municipality Youth Desk, in partnership with the Nkangala District Municipality, hosted a critical youth awareness campaign at Mehlwana Secondary School today to combat rising social issues impacting learners. The initiative focused on tackling rampant challenges, including bullying, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and crime prevention, bringing together government agencies and community activists for direct engagement with students.
The programme featured stark warnings on the consequences of poor choices:
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- Substance Abuse: Anti-drug activist Mr. Thando Masango of the Kakaramba Foundation highlighted the dangers of new substances like crystal meth, reminding learners that bad choices have lifelong consequences. The discussion was held in observance of National Suicide Prevention Day, stressing the mental health link to drug use.
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- Teenage Pregnancy: Ms. Sithembiso Mtshali from Love Life shared her experience as a teen mother, cautioning students on the challenges. Health Department representatives warned specifically about the dangers of illegal backroom abortions, noting that unauthorized pills are being sold locally for up to R1,000.
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- Crime and Bullying: SAPS Sergeant Sindane addressed how bullying can quickly escalate into serious crimes like stabbings and gang violence leading to imprisonment.
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- Prison Realities: Representatives from the Department of Correctional Services and a former inmate, Mr. Dan Tshepo (who served time for murder and robbery), shared the harsh realities of prison life and the dangers of gangsterism, urging learners to respect authority and avoid choices that could derail their futures.
Ms. Jabulile Khubeka of the Department of Social Development and the Emalahleni Drug Action Committee stressed that substance abuse is a major contributor to crime, encouraging struggling students to seek immediate help. Addressing the learners with passion, Speaker of Council, Cllr Millicent Shabangu, encouraged students to dream big, focus on education, and explore positive opportunities. She pledged to return to the school with potential bursary opportunities for committed learners.
In a show of community commitment, Chief Ndabezitha of Ndzundza Sogutjhe pledged to work with government stakeholders to improve the school and reminded learners that success stories often emerge from their community. The campaign closed with a hopeful note, assuring students of continued support as they are inspired to make better life choices.
