MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipality’s office for rural development (Community Services Directorate) hosted its first programme of the year from 31 January to 3 February.
The rural development office partnered with various stakeholders to ensure the campaign not only created awareness, but also allows maximum involvement from community members.
The programme focused on combating social ills, in particular drug abuse, through offering wholesome and constructive pastimes for the youth to enjoy as an alternative to substance abuse.
With the programme, the municipality aims to break the crime cycle pertaining to drugs through not only law enforcement, such as the municipal K9 unit assisting the police, but through education.
Puppet shows
Mini cricket and boxing were included in the programmes, while puppet shows were used to convey a message to younger children.
All the stakeholders contributed to the programme in their own unique way. The Department of Social Development staged the puppet show, while SANCA promoted its services, ensuring people who need assistance with drug-related problems get the support they deserve.
Being election year, the IEC presented an awareness and voter registration campaign.
All Nations Helping Hands called in the performing talents of Cape Town rappers Micheal Palmer (Rapper of the year: Cape Town) and Kattie (Male vocalist of the year: Cape Town) who both advocate substance abuse-free living.
The team from Wonderful SA provided entertainment with an educational message. Photo: Supplied
Both artists used their TikTok accounts, with a combined following of almost 60 000 to livestream the programme, adding to wide exposure beyond the municipal boundaries of Mossel Bay.
Due to a limited budget, preference was given to areas previously excluded from drug abuse awareness programmes. These included Friemersheim, Sonskynvallei, Tarka and Extension 13.
The Rural Development Office also included Sao Bras and Hillcrest high schools to the programme. At Sao Bras and Hillcrest, about 1 000 Grade 8 learners attended the programme. At the other areas named, approximately 1 500 people attended.
Partnership
The following stakeholders partnered with the municipality to ensure the success and positive impact of the campaign.
Various stakeholders contributed to the programme, which reached about 2 500 youths. Photo: Supplied
Western Cape Department of Social Development, SANCA, IEC (Independent Electoral Commission), Wonderful South Africa (Great Brak River Youth Café), All Nations Helping Hands, iKhaya Boxing Club and the police.
“The Mossel Bay Municipality prides itself in partnerships that help us in addressing issues within our communities. We are grateful to our partners in this programme who assisted us in showing the youth an alternative lifestyle to that of drug abuse and crime. We urge others to get involved,” said the portfolio chairman of Community Services, Alderman Niklaas Booisen.
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