Central has stirred up a lot of attention over the past number of years, some negative, some positive and a few affirming the efforts of individuals and organisations that inspire a common purpose to form a safe and peaceful community living in harmony with the multinational and international population that live, work in and visit this unique vibrant slice of Port Elizabeth. Central is layered with a diversity of cultures, fashions, generations and different ethnic groups where … [Read more...] about Soccer – A bridge for peace
John Preller
Drug and Addiction Support Groups in Port Elizabeth
A list of Addiction Support Groups in Port Elizabeth with compliments of John Preller. Alcohol: AA - Enquire at Head Office for Days, Times and Venues - 041 452 7328 / 072 185 8439 AA - Guinea Fowl Room, St Georges Hospital - Wednesdays 19:30 to 20:30 - 041 586 1042 Drugs: NA - Sunset Coffee Shop, Gelvan Park shops - Mondays 19:30 to 20:30 - 072 064 9664 NA - Caritas Centre 16 West Street, Newton Park - Tuesdays 17:30 to 19:30 - 071 064 9664 NA - Caritas Centre 16 West … [Read more...] about Drug and Addiction Support Groups in Port Elizabeth
Sex Between Minors Decriminalised
Recently the Pretoria High Court decriminalised sex between minors. The law will not be amended until it is confirmed by the Constitutional Court and there is no guarantee that the Department of Justice will appeal this horrendous judgement. Judge Rabies's unsound ruling has far reaching implications for SA society and certainly for parental authority. This ruling will be interpreted as a green light for sex between minors especially in our sex flooded society. Legalised sex between … [Read more...] about Sex Between Minors Decriminalised
Sexual Offences Act is Against our Children
The Cape High Court last week held that some sections of the Sexual Offences Act did not have any punitive measures nor any stipulated punishment clauses, leaving our children to the mercy of sexual predators who will take advantage of this gross and incompetent omission. The Act doesn't have penalties for sexual assault, child pornography, and incest, sexual exploitation of children or "grooming" of children for sexual exploitation. How on earth can this act be a deterrent without … [Read more...] about Sexual Offences Act is Against our Children
Things are never so bad they can’t be made worse
Humphrey Bogart, a tough guy in real life and movie roles, once said with the insight of a prophet; "Things are never so bad they can't be made worse" - How true! Some South Africans are desperately grabbing at "too good to be true" opportunities to make "easy" money that promises relief from their debts. These vulnerable individuals are being recruited by organised crime syndicates to risk their lives and liberty by smuggling drugs and other illegal goods across international … [Read more...] about Things are never so bad they can’t be made worse
Reinstate SANAB in the War Against Drugs
I can't shake the feeling of betrayal. The Minister of Intelligence, Siyabonga Cwele's wife has been implicated in an international drug trafficking scandal. The former South African Police Commissioner, former president of Interpol Jackie Selebi is now incarcerated in Pretoria Central Prison serving a 15 Year sentence for corruption. What was his input, advice, influence and motive in Government‘s decision to disband (SANAB) South African Narcotics Bureau? Our very own Central Drug … [Read more...] about Reinstate SANAB in the War Against Drugs
Sign the Petition to Bring the South African Narcotics Bureau (SANAB) Back
Drug related crime is up by 87% since the South African Narcotics Bureau was shut down in 2004. During the year that SANAB was disbanded, the SAPS reported 62,689 drug related crimes (2003/2004) but that figure reflects an increase to over 117,172. And increasing every year! We call for Minister Nathi Mthethwa to reinstate an independent autonomous properly trained, motivated and equipped anti-drug unit. Our society need specialist anti-drug squads operating in all high drug activity areas … [Read more...] about Sign the Petition to Bring the South African Narcotics Bureau (SANAB) Back
It was at Emerald Square Between 5:00 and 6:00 pm on a Friday
Last week I had to attend a meeting near the Post office in the centre of town. I had just climbed out of the car when a "Car Guard" appeared out of no where. Startled and feeling vulnerable at being ambushed with nowhere to escape, the "car guard" stood firmly between me and the way out, suggesting they would "look after" my car. I just knew I had to regain lost advantage and regain higher ground and get "insurance" with a negotiating dominance that would ensure the "car guard" would provide … [Read more...] about It was at Emerald Square Between 5:00 and 6:00 pm on a Friday
Drugs – I Want my Life back
The Local Drug Action Committee of the Nelson Mandela Metro is hosting a two day conference from 5-6 May 2011 on the topic of Substance Abuse. The theme of the Conference is "Substance Abuse & Society: Taking Steps to Turn the Tide." Topics covered at this conference will refer to the negative impact of substance abuse on the human body, as well as strategies suggested in the treatment of substance abuse. The speakers who will be presenting discussions at the conference include … [Read more...] about Drugs – I Want my Life back
Street Children From the Perspective of a Professional
The phenomenon of street children living on the street is a worldwide occurrence. However, it is a relatively new dilemma in South Africa; during the 1980s apartheid laws controlled the influx of black South Africans to the 'white' areas of the country. With the eventual disbanding of "influx control" in the 1980s, South Africa has experienced a swift rural migration to the urban areas. Rapid urbanization, combined with economic and social changes has contributed towards an increase in the … [Read more...] about Street Children From the Perspective of a Professional
He’s my friend finished and klaar!
Almost a self fulfilling prophesy, these words; "He's my friend finished and klaar!" from a man who was mainly influential in disbanding SANAB a highly efficient and respected law enforcement specialist unit with a proven track record of arrests and convictions. A picture is worth a thousand words in this case it also explains the many drug related deaths have taken place since 2004: With Acknowledgement to: Dianne Kohler Barnard. Dianne Kohler Barnard says specialised units need to … [Read more...] about He’s my friend finished and klaar!
Human Traffickers Get Red Light
On Friday afternoon, 21 Jan 2011, Magistrate Mr Gavin Juicy read out the summary of evidence and criminal counts against six Nigerian Nationals standing before him. They stand accused of raping under aged girls aged at the time 11, 12 and 13 years. Human trafficking, Racketeering, Living off the proceeds of prostitution generated by minor girls working under duress, Assault of minor girls, and Dealing in dangerous dependence producing drugs on a daily basis. The charges read detail … [Read more...] about Human Traffickers Get Red Light
Human Traffickers Bail Application Hearing
They say the wheels of justice grind slowly. On Wednesday 12th January the wheels of justice will complete another revolution as six Nigerian Nationals prepare to argue their bail applications. They stand accused of raping under aged girls between 11, 12 and 13 years of age, human trafficking, living off the proceeds of prostitution generated by minor girls, assault of minor girls, and dealing in dangerous dependence producing substances listed as rocks cocaine on a daily basis. On Friday … [Read more...] about Human Traffickers Bail Application Hearing
The Monstrous Crime of Violence Against Women – The Story of Alice in Monster Land
Statistics recording domestic violence, rape and child abuse are exceedingly under reported crimes and are consequently 'hidden' from public scrutiny as a result. The reason for under reporting are diverse with many complex social, economic and legal elements including the source and reporting authority contributing to the notoriously understatement of violence against women. The appalling result of this under reporting is the frequency of abuse is most likely very much higher than the … [Read more...] about The Monstrous Crime of Violence Against Women – The Story of Alice in Monster Land
