Movement takes on fight against substance abuse
The Fear of God Movement are calling others to join them in their quest to expose the ugly truth about substance abuse and help young people make better choices.
The movement started at the beginning of this year when a few organisations including SAPS and the City of Cape Town vowed to ramp up the fight against substance abuse in areas such as Parkwood, Lotus River and Ottery (“Spotlight on substance abuse”, Southern Mail, January 31).
A mural depicting the dangers of drug abuse was unveiled at Montagu’s Gift Primary School, in Lotus River, on Monday July 15.
Pastor Eddie Hendricks is a member of the Fear of God Movement, Pastor of Reconciliation Ministries in Parkwood, as well as a director of Reconnect Youth Development Centre in Parkwood Estate and chairman of Alcohol and Drug Concerns Cape.
He said the mural was done under the banner of the Fear of God Movement, initiated by community worker Keith Blake, and comprising various pastors and like-minded organisations, including SAPS and ward councillor Patricia van der Ross.
The artist, Clint Beukes, is a representative of LOFDAL Restoration Centre.
Mr Blake, said 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.
Pastor Hendricks said he has been working for the last 18 years towards a drug- and alcohol-free society, working in schools, prisons, places of safety, and in communities.
He said they have also launched an anti-drug poster with the help of Ms Van der Ross, available in three languages.
“We are working on a short video to create awareness on TikTok and other social media platforms and we call on all those with the necessary skills to help us create more content and high-quality videos.
“We offer a four-week substance abuse programme to school students to educate and empower them to make better choices. We also work with their parents/caregivers to offer support and assist them with their children. They also have access to free counselling.
“In partnership with the Message Trust SA, we have a community hub providing a safe environment for young people between 8 and 18 years to engage in after-school programmes, including life skills, discipleship, educational help, genetic dance sessions, and fun outdoor activities (soccer, cycling, etc).
“We run a Substance Abuse Support Group every Tuesday evenings at 7pm from our centre in Parkwood.
“We also have a recovery home for women struggling with addiction and a safe house for women affected by GBV.
Contact Chad Andreas on 081 559 4603 if you would like to know more about the services they offer.
The Fear of God Movement will meet at Reconciliation Ministries, on the corner of Kestrel Way and Blackbird Avenue, Parkwood, on Thursday August 1, at 10am. Contact Pastor Hendricks at 084 745 8470.