Zupus members during an empowerment session with Bongane Zulu. PICTURE:SUPPLIED
Lerato Mutlanyane
Bloemfontein – As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, one initiative is making waves in the community by providing young people with a positive outlet and support system.
The chairperson of youth empowerment organisation called Zupus, Bongane Zulu says he aims to tackle socio-economic issues that affect young people in the Mangaung community.
He says substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and crime are among the most problematic challenges in the community.
With a focus on building life skills and raising awareness against substance abuse, Zupus offers engaging programs such as dance classes and awareness workshops which are led by dedicated professionals.
Zulu says these initiatives provide a safe space for young people to feel heard, seen and empowered.
“Substance abuse has been a major factor and has negatively affected South African young people.
“This has resulted in the high rate of crime in the country.
According to the South African Community Epidemiology Network On Drug Use (SACENDU) the use of Cannabis is 80%, Cocaine 20%, heroin 45%, Alcohol 40%, Mandrax 20%, Cat 17%, and the rates keep skyrocketing.
Zulu says formed this organisation to keep children from the streets.
“The main objective is to reduce the likelihood of alcohol and drug use among participating young people, to provide a consistent, engaging alternative to risky behaviors, to build life skills, to raise awareness against substance abuse, to create a safe space where young people feel heard, seen and empowered, Zulu said.
He says the organisation has set out programs to help young people, such as dance classes which are led by a dedicated young dancer Palesa TallCute, and awareness workshops hosted by professionals at Rocklands Sports Grounds.
With dedication and determination, Zulu says he is taking South African youth to higher heights.
