Combating drugs needs collective efforts: MEC
KZN Social Development MEC Weziwe Thusi says the war against drugs is far from over.
Thusi spoke to Newswatch yesterday after addressing pupils at the Zeph Dhlomo High School in KwaMashu.
A pupil at the school died after a group had taken a new highly potent drug called Mercedes.
Religious leaders and other stakeholders also addressed the children.
Thusi said drug issues in KwaMashu are only part of a bigger problem.
Also read: 'Homes, families a starting point in fight against drugs'
"It's quite a big problem because you still find that there are people that come in through the airport and the sea, bringing drugs into our country.
"So that's why you have a national drug master plan which talks about every government department to be involved in the fight against drugs. If we work together, we will definitely win this struggle," she said.
This Grade 11 pupil says he's seen first hand how drugs have affected his brother's life.
"We took him to rehab but I don't think he has fully recovered. He's still doing wrong things but he's trying very much. He's stolen money from my mum's bag. He stole my new shoes and sold them," he said.
(Photo: Steve Bhengu)