GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION OFFERS HOPE TO ORANGE FARM FAMILY BATTLING SUBSTANCE ABUSE

By Madali Chibambu

• The Integrated Service Delivery outreach enabled residents of Orange Farm to access rehabilitation support, social services and Home Affairs assistance without travelling long distances.
• A local family received immediate psychosocial support and guidance towards rehabilitation, demonstrating the Department’s people-centred approach.
• Partnerships between Social Development and Home Affairs expanded access to essential services, reinforcing government’s commitment to restoring dignity and strengthening families.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Integrated Service Delivery outreach in Tjovitjo phase two, Orange Farm, brought renewed hope to a 64-year-old mother seeking urgent intervention for her son’s substance abuse challenges
Florah Maringa, who shares a two-room shack with her two sons, approached the department’s social workers during the community blitz, pleading for assistance to admit her 31-year-old son, Jonas, to a rehabilitation centre.
Maringa spoke candidly about the emotional strain caused by her son’s addiction to crystal meth. She admitted that in moments of desperation, she had previously given him money when he was experiencing cravings, a decision she now deeply regrets.
Despite the long queues at the service point, Maringa waited patiently for her turn, determined to secure professional help for her son. Although Jonas was initially too embarrassed to seek assistance publicly, the department’s team accompanied Maringa to their home to conduct an on-site assessment.
Inside the modest shack, the effects of substance abuse were evident. Maringa explained that most of her household items had been sold to scrapyards to sustain her son’s addiction. She also expressed concern about her other son, who has a mental illness, fearing what would happen to both of them should anything happen to her.
“I have tried everything. The Department of Social Development is my last hope,” she said, expressing gratitude that services were brought closer to the community.
Social workers promptly provided guidance to Maringa, detailing the procedures required for admission into a rehabilitation facility. Additionally, they offered counselling to both Maringa and his mother regarding strategies for managing cravings and advised on protective measures, such as contacting emergency services when necessary. The department remains committed to supporting families by offering structured rehabilitation programmes, conducting psychosocial assessments, and delivering comprehensive aftercare services.
Jonas admitted that he recognises the damage his addiction has caused and expressed willingness to seek help. “I want to make my mother proud. I know I have messed up my life, but I am ready to change,” he said.
The Integrated Service Delivery programme forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to bring essential services directly to communities. Residents could access enquiries about social assistance, child protection services, support for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities, and substance abuse intervention services. The department also partnered with Home Affairs to assist residents with smart ID card applications, eliminating the need to travel long distances.
Addressing community members, MEC for Gauteng Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, encouraged residents to make use of the services provided.
“As government, we are bringing services closer to the people. You do not need money to travel far because we are here to serve you. Let us work together to rebuild families and restore dignity in our communities,” she said.
Through initiatives like the Integrated Service Delivery outreach, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening families, combating substance abuse, and ensuring that no resident is left without access to critical social support services.