Drugs were highlighted as some of the issues tormenting residents of Ekurhuleni.
During the Presidential Imbizo held in Tsakani on Friday, 23 August, residents complained about drug lords who are destroying their kids and kids who are stealing from them to feed their habit.
Gogo Johanna Masuku said her grandson steals everything in the house, including her teeth.
“I don’t have teeth as we speak. My false teeth were stolen by my grandson because they have gold on them,” she said.
She said she noticed her teeth were missing when she was preparing to go to church some time ago.
“I’m in trouble because of my grandson. I don’t know where to hide. He even stole my phone and spectacles. He can even sniff out money hidden under a stone. He steals mielie meal to sell, pot scrubbers, and fish oil,” said Gogo Johanna.
She said she tried to take him to a rehabilitation centre, but once he heard about it, he fled.
“I came to President Ramaphosa as a last resort. I want him to deal with drug lords and help our children by establishing rehabilitation centres around kasis,” she said.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi took to the stage to promise residents attending the imbizo that they’re going to deal with the drug lords.
“Siphezukwabo,” loosely translated “We’re dealing with them”.
About gogo Johanna’s missing teeth: director in the Ekurhuleni Primary Health Department, Zanoxolo Futshane, said an appointment has been arranged to get the gogo’s contact details and to make an assessment and measurements of her missing teeth to get her dentures.
Futshane also promised to set up an appointment for her grandson to go to rehab.
