ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGNER VICTIM OF HOMOPHOBIA?

The founder of a Christian drug-awareness group has allegedly been kicked out by its committee because of his sexuality.

According to the Daily Voice, Anton Botma (25), founder of Cape Town-based Tik Free 4 Jesus, claims that he was thrown out of the group because it discovered that he was living with his boyfriend.

“Last year I admitted to them that I am gay but it was only at the meeting earlier this month that they tore me apart over the fact that I am gay,” he told the newspaper.

Botma further claims that Carl Bergh, the group’s patron who provided him with a flat and a double-cab bakkie, is also homophobic and demanded that he return the vehicle and leave the premises.

Bergh, however, denied that Botma’s dismissal had anything to do with his sexuality and said that he was let go because of misconduct and theft.

“He is using the issue of his homosexuality as a scapegoat,” said the businessman, who has threatened to lay charges of fraud and theft against Botma.

Botma, who was a previous tik addict, started the organisation in March last year. He says that the group, which aims to save people from addiction through Christianity, has counselled over 500 people.