RECOVERING SUBSTANCE USERS SHARE STORIES OF COURAGE

By Sipho Ncube.

• ⁠The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Tswa Daar! Campaign is offering recovering substance users a path to healing and reintegration.
• The initiative provides access to treatment, counselling, and skills development for individuals battling addiction.
• Beneficiaries at the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre shared powerful stories of resilience and hope.

Scores of recovering substance users admitted to the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, managed by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, are finding renewed hope and purpose through the Tswa Daar! Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign.

The campaign, launched by the Gauteng Provincial Government, is part of a provincial effort to intensify the fight against substance abuse and strengthen programmes such as Ke Moja and Bakae.

The Tswa Daar! Campaign provides a lifeline to those struggling with addiction, combining access to treatment, counselling, and reintegration support.

One of the beneficiaries, 25-year-old Nicole Scheepers from Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, shared her story:
“I have been using crystal meth and mandrax for several years. The first few days here were tough due to homesickness and overcrowding. But with encouragement from Social Workers, Care Workers, and staff, I’m staying strong and determined to complete the six-week rehabilitation programme so I can join the Skills Development Programme afterwards.”

Another participant, 23-year-old Rerae Lottering from Daveyton, said the campaign gave her a second chance at life.

“When I first heard about the Tswa Daar campaign, I decided to take the opportunity and get help. I came on my own because I realised I needed to be rescued from drugs.”

Forty-three-year-old Natasha George, also from Reiger Park, said she joined the programme after encouragement from her social worker.

“I needed help, and my social worker told me about this programme. I came here by my own choice.”

For 25-year-old Dimakatso Sithipa from Sharpeville, family support made all the difference.

“My family encouraged me to take the first step toward recovery and a sober life,” she said.

Through the Tswa Daar campaign, these individuals are reclaiming their lives and inspiring others trapped in addiction to take the courageous step toward recovery.