THULAMELA: Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has issued a stark warning over the growing social challenges confronting learners in Vhembe East Circuit, calling for urgent action as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, bullying and gangsterism threaten to derail young people’s futures.

Speaking at Raluswielo Secondary School in Thulamela Local Municipality on Friday, 14 August 2026, Ramathuba said the province could not afford to ignore the warning signs emerging from schools and surrounding communities.

The Premier was addressing learners, educators and community stakeholders during a campaign focused on teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and bullying.

According to reports from five schools, Mbilwi, Mphaphuli, Nthetsheleseni, Phaswana and Raluswielo, 60 learners had allegedly been identified as abusing substances, while 81 had reportedly experienced bullying.

The reports also identified 26 pregnant learners and 22 learners linked to gangsterism.

Ramathuba warned that the figures could represent only part of the problem, as some learners may be suffering in silence because they are too afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

“These statistics are not just numbers. They are the shattered dreams of our children,” Ramathuba said.

Drug Abuse at the Centre of Growing Concerns

Ramathuba identified substance abuse as one of the major factors driving several other social problems affecting young people.

She warned that experimentation with drugs and alcohol could lead to violence, gangsterism, criminal behaviour, poor academic performance and teenage pregnancy.

The Premier expressed particular concern about reports of drugs being readily available in Thohoyandou, Sibasa and surrounding communities.

She called on law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against drug dealers, raid known drug dens and ensure that people supplying drugs to young people face the full force of the law.

The warning comes amid growing concerns about the impact of substance abuse on learners and the wider communities in which they live.

Ramathuba stressed that schools must remain safe environments where young people can learn, develop and prepare for their futures.

Premier Raises Alarm Over Gang Recruitment

Gangsterism was another major concern raised during the campaign.

Ramathuba referred to alleged gang recruitment involving groups reportedly known as Gidis, Miluwani, Italian Boys and Bakani na Zwezwo.

She warned that criminal groups recruiting children were effectively taking young people away from their education and putting their futures at risk.

“Those who recruit children into criminal groups are stealing our future,” she said.

The Premier said schools should never become recruitment grounds for gangs.

Instead, she called for stronger cooperation between schools, families, law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and prevent recruitment before it takes hold.

Parents and Communities Urged to Act

Ramathuba stressed that government could not tackle the problems alone.

She called on parents, educators, traditional leaders, faith based organisations, School Governing Bodies and community organisations to work together to protect learners.

Parents, she said, must reclaim their role as the first teachers of their children, while educators should remain alert to warning signs and intervene before problems escalate.

The Premier also urged communities to take greater responsibility for creating environments in which young people can seek assistance without fear of judgement.

Message to Learners: Do Not Be Defined by Peer Pressure

Addressing learners directly, Ramathuba urged them to resist peer pressure and reject the idea that drugs, bullying or gangsterism represent success, influence or power.

Instead, she encouraged learners to focus on education, discipline, hard work and positive choices.

She also urged young people to seek help when they encounter challenges.

“Never be afraid to seek help because asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness,” she said.

Ramathuba said the campaign should grow into a province wide movement that reaches classrooms, households and villages throughout Limpopo.

She called on learners to become ambassadors against substance abuse, bullying, gangsterism and teenage pregnancy.

Vhembe’s Schools Must Protect Their Legacy

The Premier also highlighted the educational achievements associated with the Vhembe East Circuit.

She pointed to institutions such as Mbilwi Secondary School and Mphaphuli Secondary School, saying the accomplishments of these and other schools should not be overshadowed by social problems.

“The circuit includes some of Limpopo’s best known schools, including Mbilwi Secondary School and Mphaphuli Secondary School,” Ramathuba said.

She urged communities to protect the reputation of the circuit by ensuring that learners are given the support they need to succeed.

Her message was ultimately directed beyond the school gates.

Ramathuba called on the entire community to unite behind young people and protect their aspirations from the pressures threatening to derail them.

“Hands off our children. Hands off their dreams. Hands off their future,” she declared.

The event ended on a lighter note when pupils presented Ramathuba with five cakes ahead of her birthday on Saturday, 15 August.

The celebration, however, came against the backdrop of a much more serious challenge: ensuring that the young people of Vhembe are given the opportunity to build the future the Premier says they deserve.

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