{
  "id": 13402212,
  "title": "ActionSA focuses on drug abuse in Mpumalanga election campaign",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/actionsa-focuses-on-drug-abuse-in-mpumalanga-election-campaign",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T11:51:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/actionsa-focuses-on-drug-abuse-in-mpumalanga-election-campaign/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the 2026 local government elections approach, ActionSA in Mpumalanga has made drug abuse a central focus of its campaign in Emalahleni. The party's candidates, Mary Phadi from eNkangala District, Xolani Khumalo from Ekurhuleni, and Zandile Dabula from Johannesburg, are leading a peaceful walk to raise awareness about the issue.\n\nThe candidates argue that drugs are causing significant harm to communities, and they are calling for increased police presence and more rehabilitation centers to address the problem. Khumalo specifically highlights the need to reclaim and expropriate hijacked buildings, which contribute to high crime rates and prostitution. He emphasizes that law enforcement should prioritize preventing crime rather than just focusing on by-laws.\n\nAnother major concern raised by the candidates is the high unemployment rate in Emalahleni. They argue that this lack of job opportunities is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Additionally, Dabula points out that the contractors supplying the mine also require attention.\n\nPhadi hopes that the walk will have a meaningful impact and send a clear message to those involved in drug trafficking and those who are negatively affecting the lives of young people. She emphasizes that the municipality cannot negotiate with those who are destroying the community and that it is time for action.",
  "summary": "Mary Phadi says they hope the walk will have a meaningful impact",
  "key_points": [
    "ActionSA focuses on drug abuse in Mpumalanga's 2026 local elections",
    "Candidates Mary Phadi, Xolani Khumalo, and Zandile Dabula lead campaign",
    "Walk aims to raise awareness, call for increased police presence and rehab centers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}