The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West province has strongly condemned the incidents of underage drinking and drug abuse over the weekend at the merry-go-round swings near the Mahikeng Mall in Mahikeng.
The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, described the involvement of children as young as 12 in such activities as shocking and indicative of a more profound moral crisis in society.
"These deplorable acts, which occur in broad daylight whenever the merry-go-round swings are in town, signal a decay in moral values. We are deeply concerned because underage drinking is closely linked to teenage pregnancy," remarked Kgwele.
He called on law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to curb lawlessness and increase visibility in the area during the presence of the merry-go-round swings.
"We urge parents to embrace the Ubuntu philosophy of 'every child is my child' and take responsibility by accompanying their children to such entertainment. Opportunistic drug dealers and unscrupulous liquor traders are exploiting our vulnerable youth for their gain," he stressed.
Kgwele revealed that committee members had personally witnessed young girls visibly intoxicated, consuming alcohol openly, and some even smoking hookahs.
He said these incidents occurred after participating in the Ministerial Imbizo on Gender-Based Violence, Drug and Substance Abuse, hosted by Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale and Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional Development and Correctional Services John Jeffrey.
Kgwele emphasised the need for immediate action to translate the pledges made at the Imbizo into practical intervention programmes. He said: "As the MRM, we are committed to rallying churches, men, women, youth organizations, and businesses to combat crime, drug abuse, and their devastating effects on our youth, families and communities."
Furthermore, Kgwele outlined MRM's dedication to forming robust partnerships for safer communities and establishing youth mentorship programmes. The organisation's focus includes championing positive values through its safer schools' programme in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education and other interventions.
"We are hosting the Provincial MRM Youth Colloquium on September 15, 2023, to raise awareness about the Charter of Positive Values that we advocate for inclusion in the school curriculum," he highlighted.
Kgwele hoped to replicate successful programmes like the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Ubuntu Leadership programme in more schools and districts. He also emphasised the need for collaboration with the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternal (SACOFF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to address crime on a broader societal level.
