KE MOJA COACHES AND COORDINATORS MUST LEAD THE FIGHT AGAINST PENS-DOWN PARTIES, URGES MEC FAITH MAZIBUKO

By Phetoho Maja

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development, led by MEC Faith Mazibuko, is intensifying its efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, particularly among schoolchildren.
• Speaking at the 12th Annual Ke Moja Awards, Mazibuko emphasised the need for Ke Moja ambassadors to tackle the rise of “pens down” parties and advocate for stricter regulations on substances like hubbly bubbly.
• The awards celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations at the forefront of the province’s fight against drug abuse, reinforcing the importance of creating a safer, drug-free Gauteng.

As the festive season begins and the closure of schools approaches, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, has urged Ke Moja ambassadors to take decisive action against the notorious “pens down” parties.

Mazibuko was speaking during the 12th Annual Ke Moja Awards and Certification Ceremony at Anew Hotel in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.

She noted that ambassadors are well-acquainted with the hotspots, parks, and taverns where schoolchildren often host these parties, urging them to intervene and shut down such activities.

“As government, we must outlaw the use of hookah pipes or hubbly bubblies because drug and substance abuse often begin there. That flavour they put in eventually gets substituted with dagga, nyaope, and other drugs,” said MEC Mazibuko.

“However, we truly appreciate the work that Ke Moja Coaches and Coordinators do in making Gauteng a safer and drug-free province. We also recognise the efforts of Ward Councillors and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs). These awards are vital as they acknowledge outstanding individuals who help implement our anti-drug and substance abuse programme in schools.

“Let me also acknowledge the role of the Central Drug Authority, the Gauteng Substance Abuse Forum, the Gauteng Department of Education, and all non-profit organisations leading the fight against drugs and substance abuse in Gauteng,” she added.

Mazibuko highlighted the ongoing challenge of making Gauteng a drug-free province. She stressed the importance of programmes targeting schoolchildren, where early exposure to substances often begins, escalating from dagga to alcohol, nicotine, heroin, and crystal meth.

The MEC encouraged Ke Moja ambassadors, saying, “Keep up the good work. I am here to lend my personal support to you, applaud all the winners, and assure those who didn’t win that you are still the best.”

The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosts the Ke Moja Awards annually to honour the achievements of non-profit organisations and youth leaders at the forefront of combating substance abuse.

Ke Moja, meaning “I am fine without drugs,” continues to play a pivotal role in curbing substance use and reducing demand for drugs. One of the department’s top priorities remains tackling drug abuse among the youth and removing them from harmful environments.