In South Africa, the month of June is known as "youth month" in commemoration of 16 June 1976, youth uprisings in Soweto, Johannesburg and in recognition of the youth of South Africa. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the event and various activities will commence all over the country from different government departments.
Today the South African Police Service (SAPS) hosted a youth Imbizo in Tembisa, which attracted 10 000 youth and community members from all over Gauteng, but in particular Tembisa, Ivory Park and Alexandra. The event unfolded under the theme "Be Safe, Be Smart - Say no to Drugs and Alcohol Abuse". This memorable occasion was held at the Mehlareng Stadium, RTJ Nomane Street Difakeng Section, Tembisa from 11h00 to 13h00.
The National Commissioner of the Police, General Bheki Cele expressed full confidence in the Gauteng police management as they have demonstrated their toughness in rooting out rogue malpractices in terms of illegal sheebeens, drug peddling and substance abuse. These activities impact badly on our youth and have contributed towards various crime categories including house breakings, rape, common assault as well as culpable homicides through car accidents under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
He stressed the fact that police members under his leadership will thoroughly investigate the incidents as they occur and will at all times enforce the law at the night clubs, illegal sheebens and many other social gatherings around the province where the youth might gather. The liquor control act as well as anti drug and substance abuse programmes will be adhered to. Interaction between law enforcement and the youth is important to ensure that we have a common understanding towards keeping our leaders of tomorrow safe and responsible today.
"Our stance as the police leadership is comprehensive - we will do everything in our power to support programmes aimed at warning our youngsters against alcohol and substance abuse. We will also act decisively against those who peddle this poison to our children", said General Cele.
To demonstrate some of the proactive measures and approaches which the Police have introduced since the beginning of the past financial year, in order to curb the scourge of drugs and substance abuse by youth and the general public, includes:
- Introduction of standardised drug awareness and substance abuse exhibitions through provincial shows and major events, which seeks to establish and put in place mechanisms which will assist the youth in realising the impact of drugs in their daily life activities.
- SAPS internship programmes have assist many unemployed youth by taking them away from the streets and assisting them in career development.
- SAPS CPF structures, youth desks and the Women`s Network and Men for change gender forums within the which continue to mobilise young people to work with SAPS in the fight against crime.
- SAPS management has currently reviewed its Human Resource Development strategy - with emphasis on recruitment of youth for basic training, the policy now allows them to be employed without driver's licences as it has been a challenge to previously to the disadvantaged communities.
Today's event had local youth entertainment groups dancing and entertaining the crowds alongside music celebrities such as Kabelo, Danny K and former local resident from Tembisa Mzekezeke, also known as DJ S'bu. A young offender who was allowed out of prison today to address the crowd also warned the youth about falling into crime.
This is a National event that is also being attended by all the provincial Police Commissioners and similar programmes will be held in other province. This is in line with Police priorities and part of our commitment to the State of the Nation Address directive.
The Police expect our youth and communities to be responsible and conform to the laws of the country as far as drug and liquor acts are concerned.
Media contact:
Colonel Tummi
Cell: 082 826 6181
Cell: 082 828 5773
Tel: 012 400 6579/6629/6576 Fax: +27 12 400 701
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Source: South African Police Service
