GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT RAMPS UP MOMENTUM AHEAD OF PROVINCIAL ANTI-SUBSTANCE ABUSE DRIVE

By Sipho Ncube.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has stepped up its campaign against substance abuse, hosting a Service Blitz Programme to mobilise communities and prepare for the upcoming Gauteng City Region Anti-Substance Abuse Mass Mobilization Campaign. The event brought together government departments, social partners and treatment organisations in a coordinated effort to address substance abuse and promote healthier, safer communities.

Opening the programme, Northern Corridor Stakeholder Relations Officer Cynthia Mafharalala encouraged individuals struggling with substance use to seize the opportunity to begin a new chapter. “On Monday, a number of substance users will be processed and admitted to different government-funded rehabilitation centres. To those who will be admitted, take this chance and change your life for the better,” she said.

Mafharalala outlined that the campaign targets several communities, including Soshanguve Giant Stadium, Bronkhorstspruit Sports Centre, Saulsville Arena, Matimba Sinqobile Integrated Facility, Hammanskraal Jubilee Mall and Eersterust Civic Centre. These areas will serve as focal points for awareness activities, service referrals and on-site assistance.

Margareth Thukwana, from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) Thusong, which provides anti-substance abuse services in Mamelodi, Eersterust and Hammanskraal, described the broad support network available through the programme. “We offer assessments, out-patient programmes, referrals to in-patient clinics, aftercare services, drug testing, family support, training, puppet shows and Ke Moja awareness campaigns,” she said.

Adding to the programme, Departmental Social Worker Germina Mangwato from Charity Service Point in Mamelodi explained the process for admission into government rehabilitation centres. She noted that the support of a social worker is required to facilitate the admission process and that missing identity documents may be verified with the Department of Home Affairs. “A medical assessment form and referral from a healthcare facility are also required, as well as affidavits under Sections 32 and 33 of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act of 2008 for voluntary or involuntary admission,” she said.

Mangwato added that after completing the six-week rehabilitation process, beneficiaries are placed in aftercare programmes run by SANCA and other stakeholders to support their reintegration into society.

Through these coordinated efforts, the Gauteng Department of Social Development and its partners are intensifying the fight against substance abuse, ensuring that affected individuals receive not only treatment but also ongoing support for recovery and social reintegration. The initiative reflects government’s continued commitment to building safer, healthier and more resilient communities across the province.