Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

AfriForum branch joins forces with SAPS for school search operation

Several e-cigarettes were confiscated on 11 August during a search operation at two schools in Germiston. AfriForum’s Germiston branch was invited by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Elsburg police station to participate in the operation. The operation aimed to search school grounds and relevant areas for the possible presence of drugs, e-cigarettes, and other prohibited items.

*Members who took part in this joint operation*

The searches were conducted at Rondebult and Graceland schools. AfriForum’s Germiston branch, SAPS Elsburg, SAPS K9, the Rondebult Community Policing Forum (CPF), crime prevention officers, and D&K Investigations participated in the operation. Although several e-cigarettes were confiscated, no drugs were found during the operation.

While only a small number of e-cigarettes were confiscated during the operation, this does not mean the problem is insignificant. A study published in the South African Medical Journal – in which 25 149 learners from 52 high schools across eight provinces participated – found that nearly one in five learners (19,4%) had used at least one tobacco or nicotine product or cannabis in the preceding 30 days. E-cigarettes were the most common product, with 16,8% of learners indicating that they had used them during the previous month. Furthermore, additional publications from the same research project found that 47% of current e-cigarette users vape within the first hour of waking up – an indication of significant nicotine dependence.

“Although e-cigarettes are often viewed as a less harmful alternative, health experts warn that they can contain high levels of nicotine and quickly lead to dependence among young users. This highlights the important role parents play in being aware of the risks and ensuring that these products do not end up in children’s hands,” says Elzabé Pretorius, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Germiston branch.

“AfriForum’s Germiston branch appreciates the invitation from the Elsburg police to participate in this important safety initiative alongside community stakeholders. The presence of e-cigarettes and drugs at schools remains a concerning issue, and it is vital to take continuous action to ensure that schools remain safe environments for learners,” says Pretorius.

AfriForum’s Germiston branch will continue to collaborate with the SAPS, security companies, community forums, and other stakeholders to promote safety within the Germiston community.