Fikeni, who is also a renowned political analyst in the country, was addressing the commissions’ citizens' forum held in Bloemfontein in the Free State on drug and substance abuse. 

He says a country that lacks morals and ethics in decision-making always fails to deal with key issues, impacting the very same society, hence the use of drugs and substance abuse is escalating. To enhance and direct the thinking of citizens who attended the forum, Fikeni quoted from the struggle Icon, Oliver Tambo, who once said “a country which does not value its youth and children does not deserve its future”.

Fikeni says whilst government and the society reflect on solutions to deal with the scourge of drug and substance abuse, no one should be left behind.

Fikeni was appointed by the president, Cyril Ramaphosa, as the chair of the commission in January 2021.

“I want to end with three quotations for us to ponder and reflect on. Frantz Fanon, in the book The Wretched of the Earth, says 'each generation must discover its own mission, fulfil it or betray it'. 

"What is the mission for us as this generation - in this phase of [and fight against] drug abuse which is ravaging our communities? Once we have identified our mission, will we betray it or will we fulfil it? 

"What will the future generation say about our interventions? Whatever role we are occupying, it is no longer about the career, it should be a calling. In one's career, you're minimalist in approach - it's about your salary and promotion. However, a calling is going beyond the call of duty, you leave no one behind,” Fikeni added.

He further added that this is Ubuntu.

The gathering was also addressed by the Free State Commissioner, Dr Henk Boshoff, and Premier Sisi Ntombela among others.

The Citizens’ Forum was set to enable stakeholders including government departments to engage in discussions with the citizens, with a view to developing solutions to curb drug and substance abuse in communities.

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