Eldos’ Youth Day activities put the spotlight on drug abuse

19 June 2017

 

The effects of substance abuse on communities were firmly put in the spotlight in Eldorado Park, southern Johannesburg, on Friday June 16 when the City of Johannesburg hosted Mini Olympic Games in commemoration of the 41st anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising.

 

Organised by the Touch a Life Foundation, the tournament is the first of its kind to be staged in Eldorado Park, one of the areas in Johannesburg worst affected by drugs, with the youth emerging as the biggest casualties.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development Cllr Mpho Phalatse attended the Youth Day event. It was also supported by the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) and the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA).

Pupils from several schools in the area took part in various sporting activities such as football, netball, volleyball, aerobics and rugby, with the ultimate objective being to take them off the streets,

In her speech, MMC Phalatse said there was no excuse for young people not to do something to improve their lives.
“Nineteen seventy-six was a fight for freedom. Blood was shed for the freedom of the young person. My question to young people today is: What are you doing with that freedom? We can’t complain that the government is not doing anything. There is a lot that has changed since 1976. Now, the ball is in our court.

“There is so much at our disposal. There are so many services that the government has on offer, such as skills development. In Eldorado Park there is a MOOV (Massive Open Online Varsity). There is no excuse for people to not do something with their lives,” Cllr Phalatse said.

She said today’s youth were future leaders who should take the baton from the youth of yesteryear to continue preserving the country for future generations.

Eldorado Park LDAC Chairperson Cheryl Pillay said the Mini Olympic Games were about showcasing alternatives to substance abuse. “You can see the activities and excitement. We have even included older people. We brought the mothers and whole families out so everybody can participate in this Youth Day event.

“There is always negativity in Eldorado Park and it looks like there is nothing good happening. “Today is part of showcasing that we do have sporting events. There is quite a bit of excitement and it is getting the kids involved in positive lifestyle activities,” Pillay said.

Blankets, beanies and socks knitted by mothers during the event will be donated to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Lillian Ngoyi Hospital and a local old age home.