SOCIAL WORKERS ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES IN THE BATTLE AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

By Tendamudzimu Goza

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development prioritises addressing substance abuse, with a particular focus on high-risk areas like Stinkwater, where many young people struggle with addiction.
• Social worker Madingoadi Phasha exemplifies the Department’s commitment through her role in guiding individuals through the rehabilitation process and providing essential support for recovery.
• The Department’s programmes aim to not only treat addiction but also ensure long-term reintegration into society, emphasising the need for ongoing support and community vigilance against substance abuse.

Substance abuse is a key focus and a top priority of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, as it strives to help individuals recover and reach their full potential. This vital work requires the dedication of public servants who are not only hard-working but also patient and consistent in their approach. One area in need of intervention is Stinkwater, where the number of young people battling substance abuse is alarmingly high.

On Wednesday, 9 October, the Gauteng Department of Social Development Weekly Bulletin visited the Stinkwater offices in Tshwane’s northern corridor to showcase the tireless efforts of the Department’s social workers in addressing substance abuse.

Madingoadi Phasha, a 27-year-old social worker from Soshanguve, has been working in the substance abuse unit since joining the Department in 2020. “Substance abuse is a specialised field in social work that caught my interest while I was still at university,” Phasha shared. “I decided to do my fourth-year practicals at a rehabilitation centre to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.”

Her passion for changing lives led her to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, where she now plays a critical role in helping substance users reclaim their lives.

In her work, Phasha handles the intake processes for individuals using substances such as alcohol, CAT, phash-phash, and crystal meth, among others. Preparing these users mentally and emotionally for rehabilitation is a key part of her role. “We encourage them to attend preparatory sessions where they can engage with recovered individuals, providing hope and motivation,” she said.

The Department offers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation options. Inpatient programmes involve the user staying at the centre until recovery, while outpatient programmes allow the user to remain at home, attending daily sessions.

Once users complete their rehabilitation programmes, they receive certificates and support for reintegrating into society and family life. They are also referred to skills centres to help them find productive paths forward, reducing the risk of relapse.

Phasha’s work highlights the importance of not only treating addiction but also providing ongoing support to ensure former users rebuild meaningful, substance-free lives. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and actively monitor their children’s behaviour to prevent substance abuse from taking hold.