​Since October 2022, nearly 33,000 individuals struggling with drug and substance abuse have sought help from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
This was revealed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during his State of the Province Address in Tshwane. Lesufi highlighted the province's ongoing battle with substance abuse, as reflected in the high number of calls to the Department's substance abuse hotline.
"Substance abuse is a battle we refuse to lose. Through our Substance Abuse Harm Reduction Strategy, we are confronting this crisis head-on, ensuring that young people have a future free from addiction," he said.
Lesufi further announced plans to expand rehabilitation services, including refurbishing the Dr. F and F facility and repurposing the Mabutho Hlatshwayo Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) into a state-owned substance abuse facility to increase capacity.
"We are working closely with the national government to open more rehabilitation centres, ensuring greater access to recovery services. Through the Masupatsela Programme, 30,000 young boys and girls will lead anti-drug, health, and girl-child support initiatives, empowering them to make better life choices," he added.
To strengthen aftercare services for recovering addicts, the province has established Centres of Excellence in Gauteng, including Alrode, Xilembeni, Ikusasa Lethu, and in Sebokeng.
"These centres offer training in computer skills, photography, hair and beauty, life skills, and hospitality―giving recovering addicts a real opportunity to rebuild their lives," Lesufi concluded.