KHUBVI – Local musicians have teamed up with the Department of Health and Social Development in the war against crime, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.

The main road show of the partnership took place at the Khubvi sports field on Saturday. Joyce Netsianda, the coordinator of the road show, told Mirror why it was important to partner with the artists: “We have decided to engage the artists because they are role models and the youth can understand them better. The Department of Health and Social Development has found that there are many cases of HIV infection, substance abuse and crime in the Vhembe District and we felt we should do something about it. The road show comes at the right time when our youth need assistance to win the war against drugs and other unbecoming behaviour…”

Netsianda said other road shows were conducted at Halambani and Tshilapfene in the past weeks.

Speakers included social workers, representatives of Love Life and Social Security, the SAPS, representatives of the Thulamela Municipality and traditional leaders. Youths also took part in modern dances, drama, debate and games.

Artists who took part in the road show included the local reggae heroes, Shufflers Ragimana, Jahman Chiganja and Burning Soul Nephawe, a well-known musical poet.

“We will definitely win this war through our partnership with the department. We hope other community members will join us in this community building initiative,” said Shufflers Ragimana.