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Comedian Ashiffa Shabaa is seen performing
L-R Singer Maduvha, Regional Director Mrs DRM Bopape and Mr Sekoati MEC: Department of Health & Social Development
People who attended the event
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The UNISA-North Eastern Region in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Development in the Limpopo province have launched an awareness campaign against drug and substance abuse at UNISA’s Polokwane Campus on Saturday 31 May 2008. The date was ideal as it was also the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Regional Director of UNISA North Eastern Region Mrs DRM Bopape said: “The University of South Africa exists for the benefit and by consent of the community. The University is therefore keenly aware of its twin responsibilities of providing education and training to the nation and of participating fully in community development; and in social programmes for the betterment of society. It is our responsibility as a university to produce not only learned students in terms of book knowledge, but also well rounded and responsible citizens who can participate fully in the development of the country.”
The UNISA-North Eastern Region was aware that the majority of students coming to the main campus were young and vulnerable to the allure and temptations of drug and substance abuse. However, the region realised that they did not have the expertise or resources to launch such a campaign and looked for partners such as government.
The launch was attended by about 600 students and youths comprising of UNISA students, representatives from other tertiary institutions in the province, as well as students from 39 high schools within the Capricorn District.
Edutainment
The gathering experienced some edutainment where well known celebrities were brought in as cause champions to drive the event and weave the message of drug and substance abuse into their performances. Celebrities who performed on the day were: Ashiffa Shabaa - a well known comedian and radio personality, Madvha - a popular female singer and performer, CharmaGirl - a local comedian and Lejekeje - a musical group.
The main speakers at the function were: Regional Director Mrs DRM Bopape, who delivered the welcome address, Dr E Greyling who launched the partnership on behalf of UNISA, and Mr Sekoati, the MEC for Department of Health & Social Development in the Limpopo provincial government. Other speakers were Mr Maswena of the Regional SRC and a representative from the Youth Commission.
The event was a resounding success. In addition, there were designated exhibition rooms where information on drug and substance abuse and UNISA’s “your career choice” booklets were distributed. |
