04 Feb 2025

Alcohol and drug abuse have been identified as significant contributors to social issues, particularly the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) among youth. 

In a kgotla meeting addressed by Member of Parliament for Serowe North Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe in Paje yesterday, residents pointed that indiscipline and drug abuse in schools were breeding grounds for criminal behaviour among young people, leading some to engage in activities such as robbing their own parents. .

 Leaders emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among parents, educators, law enforcement, and health services to effectively combat the growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse.

“It is essential for us to unite and create comprehensive strategies to address these root causes of social ills,” one community leader stated.

Kgosi Nagano Martin of Paje blamed some parents who sold drugs to kids, uuring all to cooperate with teachers for the best interest of the children.

Kgosi Martin said there were some homesteads in Paje that dealt in drugs, which ended up reaching pupils at school.

He said abuse of alcohol and drugs played a major role in increasing incidents of domestic violence and family breakdown.

 ‘For teens who use marijuana and have a psychiatric disorder, there is a risk of depression and a higher risk of suicide’, he said.

   He said alcohol and drug abuse had consequences on the health of individuals as it was highly associated with several health problems.

Kgosi Martin also talked about unemployment in his village saying most youth rushed to Ipelegeng to work there as last resort to put food on the table at end of the day.

For his part, Paje Village Development Committee, chairperson, Mr Othusitse Ranko decried the lack of classrooms at the village’s primary school. 

He said even though the toilets were not enough there was need for maintenance. ENDS