​As the festive season kickstarts and the closure of schools looms, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, has urged Ke Moja ambassadors to wage war against the notorious 'pens down' parties.

Mazibuko was speaking during the 12th Annual Ke Moja Awards and Certification Ceremony at Anew Hotel in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.

She said the ambassadors know the hotspots, parks, and taverns where school kids normally host these parties, and they must go there and close down those activities. "As government, we must outlaw the use of hooker pipes or hubbly bubblies, because drugs and substance abuse start there. That flavour they put in there ends up being substituted by dagga, nyaope, and various other kinds of drugs," said MEC Mazibuko.

"However, we truly appreciate the work that Ke Moja Coaches and Coordinators do in making Gauteng a safer and drug-free province. Not forgetting the work done by Ward Councillors and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs). These awards are very important to us as they recognize outstanding people who help us to implement our anti-drug and substance abuse program in schools."
 
"Let me also acknowledge the role of the Central Drug Authority, Gauteng Substance Abuse Forum, Gauteng Department of Education, and all non-profit organizations that lead the fight against the scourge of drugs and substance abuse in Gauteng."
 
"We still have a mammoth task of ensuring that Gauteng becomes a drug-free province. Anyone who thinks of using a substance that is mind-blowing must think twice. It is good that these programs start at a school level, because that is where chronic illnesses start. They start smoking dagga at school, and the next thing they graduate to alcohol, nicotine, heroin, and crystal meth," said Mazibuko.
 
She added, "Keep up the good work. I am here to lend my personal support to you and to applaud all the winners and to confirm to those that came after them that even though you may not have won, you are the best."
 
The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosts Ke Moja awards annually to recognize the quality of work and the performances achieved by NPOs and the youth who continue to lead in the forefront to fight the scourge of drugs and substance abuse.
 
Ke Moja, which means 'I am fine without drugs,' continues to play a leading role in fighting rampant substance use and reducing the demand for drugs. One of the department's priorities is to combat drug and substance abuse amongst the youth and remove them from the streets.