Mural at Montagu’s Gift Primary raises awareness about drug abuse

A mural depicting the dangers of drug abuse was unveiled at Montagu’s Gift Primary School, in Lotus River, on Monday July 15.

The initiative came about after the community had called for alcohol and drug abuse concerns to be addressed in January. A meeting involving various role-players including the City of Cape Town, churches and police followed (“Spotlight on substance abuse”, Southern Mail, January 31).

Keith Blake, an Ottery resident, had suggested that the City of Cape Town produce a powerful awareness video showing the consequences of drug abuse; for the media to come on board; for there to be campaigns on social media and for murals to be put up.

“The main purpose was to fight the scourge of drugs, which is the main cause of gangsterism and shootings. We are encouraging schools, ward councillors and other organisations to put up their own murals, posters and make awareness videos to put the fear of God into a would be victim not to become a drug addict.

“If our message is reached by a ward councillor in Delft, for example, he should get his people together to erect a massive mural at the main entrance of the area where it is in your face, telling you what drugs can do to you. They should make posters at schools and churches, to get the message across. The idea of the mural came about when I saw a massive mural with Free Palestine, which is in your face, it gives you a message that you can’t miss,” said Mr Blake.

Edson Klaassen, representative for the Fear of God Movement, which was established in January after the meeting, said they consist of a number of organisations that offer different services.

Mr Klaassen said when Keith Blake initiated the fight against drug abuse, he approached many organisations, including churches, SAPS, the City and education department, who represented the fight for the same cause.

He said they came up with the idea of the launch of the mural, among other initiatives. “It is an art piece, but more than just a mural. It is what is behind the mural. It’s the imagery that the kids will see on a day to day basis within the school.”

Mr Klaassen said the many organisations on board offer support, such as churches who offer social support groups for addicts, parents of addicts, and the police.