Foundation for a Drug-Free Africa Backs Gauteng Premier's #Drugs Must Fall Movement

In the vanguard of the fight to free Gauteng communities from the grip of drug abuse, the Foundation for a Drug-Free Africa joined the thousands who marched through the streets of Eldorado Park for a drug-free community.

The Foundation for Drug-Free Africa was out in force March 4  when Gauteng Premier Mr. David Makhura led a march against drugs in Eldorado Park, a Johannesburg suburb where drug abuse and drug-related crime have devastated the community. The march was the launch of the Premier’s Anti-Substance Abuse Movement and delivered the message—drugs and substance abuse has no place in our communities.

More than 5,000 joined Mr. Makhura in the march, filling the streets of Eldorado Park in a united stand against drugs.

Over the past two years, Meiring and his volunteers have distributed some 500,000 Drug-Free World booklets, conducted more than 700 drug education lectures and events and built a network of 34 drug education teams in South Africa. They also reach more than 100,000 people with their drug prevention message each month through social media.

In his speech today, Mr. Makhura said, “We cannot lose the war against drugs. We cannot allow our youth to be destroyed. I hereby make a special call to religious leaders to take a lead in the fight against social ills such as substance abuse.”

Answering that challenge was South African Men of the Year runner-up Maurithus Meiring, Director of Public Affairs of the Church of Scientology Pretoria and Drug-Free World Africa Coordinator. “Mr. Makhura has set a stellar example for all to follow,” said  Meiring. “We are committed to making Eldorado Park a drug-free community.”

Over the past two years, Meiring and his volunteers have distributed some 500,000 Drug-Free World booklets, conducted more than 700 drug education lectures and events and built a network of 34 drug education teams in South Africa. They also reach more than 100,000 people with their drug prevention message each month through social media.

The Church of Scientology provides drug education materials and workshops free of charge to educators, mentors and community leaders for their use in drug education. Anyone wishing to arrange a workshop should contact Mr. Meiring at the Church of Scientology of Pretoria. 

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