​After years of using the powerful stimulant Crystal Meth, 28-year-old Lunga Thabethe from Windmill Park in Ekurhuleni is now hopeful for a successful rehabilitation journey.

Thabethe is one of hundreds of substance users in the province who responded to the call by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, which on Monday launched a province-wide mass admission campaign at Mabutho Hlatshwayo Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Heidelberg.

The mass admission initiative aims to ensure equal access to treatment services, as substance abuse remains one of the most pressing challenges in Gauteng.

 
Speaking during the admission process, Thabethe encouraged his peers, especially those struggling with addiction, not to suppress their emotions, as he believes doing so often leads to more substance use.

 
“Drug makes you angry and lose your mind. It makes you do wrong things while you think you’re doing right. So, find someone to talk to. Honestly, when I first used crystal meth, it felt so good. I felt in control of everything. But reality hit when I started being aggressive towards my family. That’s when I realised, I needed to change my behaviour,” said Thabethe.

 
He added: “I want to thank the Social Workers and my family for not turning a blind eye. I’m doing this for them. I want to come back a changed man.”

 
Acting Gauteng Premier and MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, was present to oversee the admissions process.

“We are truly excited to see young people willing to change their lives. Today we are preparing them for admission into various facilities across the province,” said MEC Mazibuko.


“We also extend our appreciation to all the Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) across the five corridors who will work with us to support the rehabilitation journey.”


She added: “We will not only rehabilitate them but also provide skills that will help them make a meaningful contribution to society upon their exit. Some will be trained as artisans, farmers, welders, bricklayers, electricians, and garment makers.”


Research shows that Crystal Meth is currently the most commonly abused substance in Gauteng, followed by nyaope and poly-drug use. Crystal Meth is particularly dangerous due to its link to violent behaviour and increased levels of psychosis. These highly addictive substances often require intensive medical detoxification and, in most cases, admission to inpatient treatment facilities to manage withdrawal symptoms.

In response to the growing substance abuse crisis in Gauteng, MEC Mazibuko launched a community outreach programme in 2024, targeting hotspots across the province's five development corridors.

The programme, implemented on Fridays, identifies individuals with substance use disorders who are ready for treatment. Through this initiative, the Department recognised the urgent need to strengthen and expand access to treatment.