​YOUTH GATHER IN CRADOCK FOR DIALOGUES
By Luvuyo Ndarane

Youth of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality gathered in Vusubuntu Cultural Village Hall on 22 June to discuss the methods of eradicating crime and the abuse of illicit drugs in their townships. This gathering took place during during the Youth Sport Against Crime and Substance Abuse games that took place in Cradock on 19-21 June.

Social Development organised the games over the weekend in which different sporting codes like rugby, soccer, netball and others were played. Played in different playgrounds across Cradock, one of the games` objectives is to enhance community awareness and cohesion against damaging consequences of crime, drug use and human trafficking.       
                 
On the evening of 22 June the youth that participated in the games engaged in vibrant debates. At the centre of discussions was drug abuse as a primary contributor to the commission of criminal activities. In the Inxuba Yethemba Municipal area there is a serious abuse of alchohol. Addressing the youth gathered in Vusumuzi Cultural Village Hall, after witnessing grinding poverty in Lingelihle Township with alcohol contributing, MEC Nancy Sihlwayi warned the youth to steer away from consuming alcohol because “one of the consequences of abusing alcohol is the brain calcifies and ultimately one dies as a result of that”.

The youth debated with some vibrancy. Learners from Calata High School did a play item that centers on drug abuse. One community leader indicated that youth should be included in all the structures in the community wherein youth matters will be addressed including the misuse of drugs. He said the debates should be ongoing and the municipality must take the lead in addressing matters affecting the youth.