Promoter on anti-drugs crusade

Lucia Mazhou

Highfield-based music promoter and events manager, Taona “Preezo” Matsvai, has pledged to use his influence to help fight drug and substance abuse in the ghetto.

He said drug abuse had become a national crisis which requires immediate and serious attention. “Drugs are affecting the lives of young people in the ghetto and it’s now spreading to schools. This is usually due to peer pressure, stress and depression.

“There is a need for intensive campaigns to raise awareness about the effects of drug, substance abuse.

“Mental health and anti-drug workshops, interactive events that take the minds of youths off the pressures of life are key in helping alleviate drug abuse,” he said.

Taona said there is a need for the development of community centres for the youths to unwind so that drugs don’t become part of their recreation.

“I went around Hatfield a few weeks back and I noticed that community centres are now maize fields. Where are the youths supposed to spend their leisure time if you use a place reserved for them to grow maize?

“I believe we need to do more and be considerate of the teens and youths to eradicate drug abuse.”