The fight against drug use in schools starts long before learners encounter peer pressure.
That was the message at Leondale Hoërskool on Tuesday, where the Department of Social Development’s popular KeMo, the mascot joined anti-drug non-profit World Changers Candidate (WCC) for an interactive awareness programme aimed at Grade 7 and Grade 8 learners.
Building on national efforts to address drug use in schools, the programme focused on helping learners build resilience early, make informed decisions and develop the confidence to reject drugs before harmful habits take root.
Using songs, storytelling and practical life lessons, KeMo turned the school hall into an engaging classroom where leadership — not fear— became the foundation of the day’s message.
Repeated throughout the session was KeMo’s simple but memorable declaration:
“I am a leader… I was born to lead.”
Learners responded enthusiastically as they repeated after her:
“I will rise. I will win. I WILL SAY No Ke Moja!”
I am fine without drugs!”
The chant became more than a slogan. It challenged learners to see themselves as leaders capable of making positive choices.
KeMo teaches leadership to prevent drug use in schools
KeMo anchored the programme around one of leadership author John C. Maxwell’s best-known principles:
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
Using everyday examples, KeMo explained that success requires more than good intentions.
“Just because you’ve decided to do something doesn’t mean you’ve done it. If you want to pass, don’t just say you want to pass. You need to plan and study hard.”
Her message was clear: goals only matter when learners take action.
“To succeed, you need to have a goal. But that’s not enough. You need to work towards that goal and act on it.
“If your goal is to pass Grade 7, you’ll never wake up and pass if you’re not doing your homework, listening to your teachers or asking for help when you don’t understand. Make sure you read your books.”
Maxwell argues that leadership begins with personal disciplined. WCC used that principle to show learners that the same habits that improve school results also help them resists drugs and negative peer pressure.
How teachers help learners resist peer pressure and drugs
Teachers and healthcare professionals used the session to speak openly with learners about bullying, peer pressure and substance abuse. They urged learners to seek help early and make responsible decisions.
A healthcare worker from a local clinic focused on tobacco, warning that smoking often becomes the starting point for more harmful substance use.
“I’m going to talk about tobacco because that’s often where the problem starts. Smoking doesn’t stop with cigarettes.
“For many young people, it becomes the gateway to alcohol and other drugs. If you smoke, it’s not too late to stop. Make today the day you choose to stop.”
The discussion also highlighted the health risks linked to smoking, including respiratory illness, cancers and other long-term conditions.
Education official encourages learners to make drug-free choices
Senior Education Specialist for School Health in the Ekurhuleni South District, Oupa Hlongwane, said the Department of Education and DSD were working together to equip learners with practical solutions before drug use became a bigger problem.
“As the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development, we are here to bring you solutions,” he told learners.
Hlongwane cautioned learners against the influence of friends who introduce others to drugs.
“No one starts taking drugs by themselves. Someone introduces them to drugs, so watch out. The only person who benefits is the one taking your money while your life is affected.”
He urged learners to protect the opportunities education can create.
“We don’t want to see you roaming the streets. We want to see you in the courtroom, in hospitals saving lives, in boardrooms, and in schools teaching others. Don’t create problems for yourselves when you have the power to choose a different path.”
Responding to concerns raised by the school about learners experimenting with hubbly bubbly, Hlongwane said early intervention remained essential.
“We deal with solutions. The issue of drugs doesn’t begin and end with this school. Watch the friends you keep, because that’s often where it starts.”
World Changers Candidate expands drug prevention in schools
The awareness drive forms part WCC‘s ongoing work with schools across Gauteng to strengthen drug prevention in schools through education, mentorship and community partnerships.
The organisation has led interventions at several schools, including Leondale Secondary School’s anti-drug campaign after a 2022 video of learners smoking cannabis on school grounds sparked national concern.
Working alongside the school, parents, SAPS, the Ekurhuleni Municipality and other stakeholders, WCC helped introduce sustained interventions that later saw Leondale Secondary declared a drug-free zone.
Its advocacy has also reached Parliament. Following the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy, WCC intensified its campaign against underage drinking.
The organisation successfully lobbied for the removal a controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill that would have allowed alcohol sales at school fundraising events. The campaign was backed by a nationwide petition against alcohol sales at schools.
The visit to Leondale Hoërskool reinforced that approach: prevent substance abuse before it starts by equipping learners with knowledge, confidece and leadership to make better choices.
The programme concluded with learners once again joining KeMo in a pledge to lead by example.
“I am a leader. I was born to lead.”
The words echoed through the school hall as learners repeated the pledge in unison, ending the session on the same message that had opened it: leadership is reflected in the choices they make every day.
WATCH: Leadership author John C. Maxwell explains the principle behind “Everything rises and falls on leadership” in this short Minute with Maxwell episode — the same lesson KeMo used to encourage Leondale Hoërskool learners to pair ambition with action.
Visit the World Changers || Substance Abuse Prevention Resource Centre for previous campaign coverage, community programmes and stories highlighting the people and organisations leading South Africa’s fight against substance abuse.
