Residents of Rehoboth took part in a protest to raise awareness about drug and alcohol abuse, as well as rising criminal activity in their communities on Saturday.

The initiative brought together community and church members, as well as learners, with organisers calling for a united approach to addressing the root causes of substance abuse and crime.

Residents from Blocks B, C, E, F and G, Extension 1 and Kavuki Land came out in support of the campaign.

The protest leader, Manfred Beukes, explained that the initiative is intended to encourage communities to take collective responsibility in fighting drug and alcohol abuse and criminal activities.

“Let’s join hands—the government and all stakeholders—to fight this evil and make our country clean. This evil can also destroy the future of our children. That is why we stand up and say, ‘Enough is enough.’ The message is very clear: stop illicit drug use and substance abuse. It destroys our country, destroys our towns, and destroys our people and our communities.”

A significant development during the protest was the seizure of drugs valued at approximately N$50,000.

This highlights the scale of the substance-abuse challenge facing the community.

Community Activist Andy Van Wyk stressed that stronger collaboration among community structures is needed.

"We want to come against and give notice to our community that the drug dealers know that this will not be tolerated any longer. We are giving a stern warning to them today. We as a community stand up, and we want to call on more of the community to get involved and help us to come against this problem in our community.”

Organisers added that the gathering will be held once a month, with the aim of sustaining awareness and encouraging more residents to participate in efforts to build safer communities.