​On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed a group of people, particularly youth who were ready to take the first step in the battle against drug dependency at Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, in Cullinan, Tshwane.
This follows an announcement by Lesufi that Gauteng Provincial Government will launch initiatives focusing substance such as on the notorious street drug called nyaope, and others.

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Lesufi said, “After we were given task to lead government, our first priority was to intensify the fight against drugs. Our youth are faced with uncertain future because of drugs. As we interact with them it only affirms that we took a right decision to help and support them. We cannot just ignore or donate them to fight this battle alone”.

Lesufi quoted the late President Nelson Mandela and said, “A country that does not value its children or youth does not deserve its future”.

He said, “There are households that can claim that they do not have a challenge with a child that does not require assistance to fight drugs or other substance abuses, hence we are saying to parents bring your children to us because we have the required skills and resources to deal with the addictions”.

Addressing the same gathering, Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC Mbali Hlophe said, “The substance abuse was a big element of focus because we need to make it a point that our youth are at an optimal level so that they can also contribute towards the reconstruction of our economy”.

MEC added that the campaign shines a spotlight on youth so that more young people can be recruited into the program. This group of young people will undergo a six weeks of rehabilitation.

There after they will be enrolled for skills development programme. Such as 26-year-old, Mashadi Sephane who has concluded his rehabilitation treatment and is now enrolled at Soshangavu Centre for Excellence.