Some left confused by DA’s silent anti-drug march

025 14/06/16 Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, lead a silent march against drugs in Bosmont on Johannesburg’s West Rand. Picture:Nokuthhula Mbatha

025 14/06/16 Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, lead a silent march against drugs in Bosmont on Johannesburg’s West Rand. Picture:Nokuthhula Mbatha

Published Jun 15, 2016

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Johannesburg - Bosmont residents couldn’t agree on whether the silent march against drugs led by DA leader Mmusi Maimane would be of any help in their Joburg suburb.

Many of them are unemployed, and badly affected by drugs and crime.

Resident Jonathan Eastwood, 16, said that although he bunked school to show his support, he thought the march was useless.

“It's stupid because how is it going to benefit us? It is a silent march. Why should we keep quiet when we should be talking?”

Jonathan said drug abuse was an overarching issue that adversely affected residents, including their education.

“I know too many people who are into drugs. I also know all the drug hotspots.”

DA mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba told residents: “The fight starts within our own families because the druglords are people of this community,” adding that it was a societal problem.

“Let us stand together in solidarity. We need the support of religious leaders, the will of the community and political leaders to successfully fight these issues.”

The Agatha council flats in Bosmont are known to be a dangerous drug haven.

Mary Adams, a tenant, was pleased that a political party showed support and wanted to help.

“This is the only party that has done something like this, and that makes us hopeful”

Adams said the problem was caused by unemployment and illiteracy.

“Children as young as eight stop going to school because their parents are not educated enough to know the importance of education. Their parents are unemployed, so they don’t see a reason to wake up in the morning.”

Maimane told residents that intelligence and specialised narcotics units that would raid the area and put all the drug dealers behind bars was needed.

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