Dereleen James is a fighter, an activist, but first and foremost a mother. This mother wrote a letter to the then State President Jacob Zuma in 2013. It remains a heart wrenching open letter highlighting the harsh realities of a mother living with a child addicted to drugs. It breaks the silence and focuses on the stigma these mothers deal with on a daily basis.
Drug and substance abuse is increasing at a rapid speed, both locally and globally. Dereleen’s “Dear Dad” letter raised awareness regarding the destructive nature and extent of this in Eldorado Park. ( a township south of Johannesburg South Africa). The President did listen and did intervene via police raids on the various drug lords and Lolly Lounges - the drug lords’ entertainment by young girls, the girls are subsequently introduced to drugs. They eventually receive their drugs (especially crystal meth, street name tik) free, all for keeping clients “happy.”
From Cape Town, South Africa
Never
Give Up
by Bernadette Erasmus