Moms’ letter touches Zuma’s heart

Mothers in arms. Dereleen James(L) comforts Hazel Herandien who broke down crying while talking about the pain and torment she has been experiencing with her son's drug habits and the anguish caused to countless other families who live in Aldorado Park who have been effected by the scourge of drug addiction amongst in the community especially youngsters. Dereleen who wrote the letter pleading for help which whent viral has also had to deal with her own sons drug addiction and recently had to book him into a drug rehabilitation centre. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 29/04/2013

Mothers in arms. Dereleen James(L) comforts Hazel Herandien who broke down crying while talking about the pain and torment she has been experiencing with her son's drug habits and the anguish caused to countless other families who live in Aldorado Park who have been effected by the scourge of drug addiction amongst in the community especially youngsters. Dereleen who wrote the letter pleading for help which whent viral has also had to deal with her own sons drug addiction and recently had to book him into a drug rehabilitation centre. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 29/04/2013

Published May 13, 2013

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Johannesburg - A heart-rending letter from residents in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, prompted President Jacob Zuma to pay the community a visit on Tuesday.

They pleaded with him to come to their assistance to tackle an escalating drug problem in the area.

“The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the critical and dying state our children are in. Dad, we need you to help us mothers save our children,” wrote a number of unnamed mothers.

They said drugs had taken over their lives, with children as young as eight becoming drug addicts.

“We no longer get together to boast about the achievements of our children but rather to share our lives of living hell and despair.”

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said on Monday ay the visit was sparked by the letter, which was released to the media.

“The visit to the community...follows an e-mail written to President Zuma by the concerned residents highlighting the drug problem in the community.”

Zuma would be accompanied by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane.

The visit was due to take place at the community sports ground at 10am.

The letter goes into detail about a few drug-addicted children, their petite size, the danger to their health, and the pain suffered by the parents.

“Mr President, you need to get your hands dirty and actively assist, we will do this together,” the letter reads.

“Help us dad...Help us Mr President... 80 000 people are turning to you for help!” - Sapa

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