​On Thursday, 08 August 2024, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, and non-profit organisations (NPOs) agreed to create a central database on the availability of beds for those who want to access drug rehabilitation in the province. 
This follows a meeting specifically with NPO’s that deal with abuse of substances held at South Hills Hall, South of Johannesburg.

This meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government, NPO sector, and society in the fight against drug abuse. MEC said that there was a need to build a united front in the battle against substance abuse in the province. She also said government alone cannot combat the proliferation of illegal substances, making the partnership with NPOs essential to achieving a substance-free Gauteng.

“We have gathered here today for an open discussion on the pressing issue of substance abuse in Gauteng. Our collective efforts are crucial. While law enforcement agencies tackle drug peddlers, it is our duty, as the Department of Social Development, together with NPOs, to implement robust programs against substance abuse in our communities. The provincial government has allocated significant resources for this uphill battle, and we need your active participation. We must build a strong movement of young people who are 100% sober and are rejecting even so-called ‘gateway’ substances like hubbly bubbly,” said Mazibuko. 

The meeting, among other things, agreed to review drug rehabilitation treatments in the province. It further agreed to bring in more state Departments such as Sport, Health, Education, Community Safety, and Economic Development. It was also agreed that a toll-free number should be established to be used by NPOs and the public to secure rehabilitation beds. Artisan programs for those who have undergone rehabilitation was also emphasized.

During the engagement, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Director for Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, Desary Carlinsky, introduced the concept of walk-in centres for beneficiaries of substance abuse. These centres, to be established at decentralised cluster offices and service points of the Department of Social Development, will significantly enhance access to substance use disorder services across townships. 

“At these walk-in centres, comprehensive assessments will be conducted, followed by appropriate referrals to registered and funded community-based services, outpatient or inpatient treatment facilities, and other support services. This initiative ensures that substance users receive the care they need right at their doorstep,” said Carlinsky.

The massification of substance abuse interventions remains one of the provincial government’s top priority programmes, led by MEC Mazibuko. The Department of Social Development, in partnership with NPOs, is committed to making substance use disorder services more accessible and to driving prevention and awareness initiatives. A coordinated and integrated approach is critical to reducing the demand for, harm from, and supply of drugs within our communities.