COLLECTIVE EFFORT KEY TO COMBATTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA – Tseki village is said to be among the deep rural areas in the Free State province that have serious challenges of a high crime rate and gangsterism. 

However, these challenges prompted Tseki businessman Lehlohonolo Mosikidi to work together with the South African Police Service to come up with solutions to rebuild the village that has zero tolerance on substance abuse, social injustice and gangsterism.

Through his company called Deliwe Legacy (Pty), Ltd, Mosikidi organized an awards ceremony where he motivated and honoured young people who participate in sports to combat crime and deviant behaviour around Tseki.

“The area has on several occasions kept police on their toes with various criminal acts that made residents feel unsafe. I then decided to do something different for my community by giving back to them,” said Mosikidi.

With cases of murder, rape and teenage pregnancies having become a daily occurrence in this area, Mosikidi played a key role in restoring the reputation of Tseki villagers which was once known for producing best academics heroes such as Dr Victor Ramoroesi Ramathesele.

At the same occasion, Constable Clara Motloung of the prevention of domestic violence and child abuse unit of the Tseki police station, confirmed the fact that gangsterism and substance abuse are a huge problem in this area.

“Indeed, acts of crime and of gangsterism are very rife in this area. But through the support we getting from community members, surely we are doing something about it, like engaging young people to get into sports and stay away from drugs,” she said.

Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa leader, Moeketsi Lebesa suggested that substance abuse and high rate of gangsterism in villages are due to lack of sporting facilities.

“The lack of recreational facilities in the villages are the major source of crimes in areas such as this one. We need the municipality’s department of sports, arts and culture to come up with programmes that will enrich and allow young people to participate in sport so they can steer clear of drugs and alcohol,” said Lebesa.

The overall winners who excelled in their respective sporting codes were Lehlohonolo Tsotetsi and Motseheng Lethebe, both aged 15. They scooped the best male and female athlete of the year awards in soccer and walked away with R500 each.