The Political Champion of uMgungundlovu District who is also the MEC for Finance in KwaZulu-Natal , Ina Cronjé, joined by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize, MEC for Social Development, Weziwe Thusi, MEC for Human Settlement, Ravi Pillay, local mayors, political leaders, business sector, media houses, Non-Governmental Organisations and the South African Police Service (SAPS) today rolled up their sleeves to launch an unprecedented campaign to fight social ills in the northern areas of the district.
The campaign launched under the banner of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (Stand up and build), the first of its kind in Mgungundlovu to be launched in Northdale, is geared to fighting the scourge of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, crime and domestic violence. It is meant to target areas such as Northdale, Woodlands, Eastwood, Sobantu, Nhlalakahle, Raisenthorpe, Glenwood, Copsville, Hayneville, Parkisa, Messeni and Swaapo, among others.
In a show of unity, the community joined the political leadership in a peaceful march staged around Truro Hall, in demonstration of their anger towards these galloping social ills in these areas. Addressing the communities, Cronjé said in the district of Mgungundlovu, everyone must come together to fight drugs, crime and all forms of social ills that rubbish the community.
“Let us reclaim our parks, schools, streets and homes. This is a campaign that must be joined by everybody who cares about their children and their loved ones. The only ones that can exclude themselves are those that do not care about all of this. We are calling on you, the community, the business, NGOs, churches and all forms of social groupings to partner us. This is an ongoing campaign whose success depends on our collective effort. We must all be part of the change we want to see,” she said.
Dr Mkhize said through Operation Sukuma Sakhe, they want to address all the social problems plaguing KwaZulu-Natal.
“This campaign in particular is meant to help us fight drugs and other social ills in our communities. We must have no sympathy for drug dealing. We must all be united as government, communities and business to fight drugs and make our communities free and healthy places to live in,” said Mkhize.
Mayor of Msunduzi, Cllr Chris Ndlela said in Msunduzi municipality, they have one message and that is to say “down with drugs in our communities”. We invite all the citizens of our district and of this capital city to hold hands and fight to create the change,” he said.
The campaign, preceded by a series of consultative meetings with local stakeholders as well as a workshop on social ills during early June, is expected to be taken to other municipalities around uMgungundlovu District.
In order ensure that it becomes successful, the community is encouraged to report drug abuse without declaring their identities through an sms hotline: 422283, twitter: @drugbustpmb, facebook: drugbustpmb, email: drugbust@capitalmedia.co.za or Cell: 076 777 7833.
