​As part of a continuous fight against the scourge of substance abuse in every corner of the province, particularly from the informal settlements where people are more vulnerable, the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Sedibeng Region, on Tuesday, took Anti-Substance Abuse Awareness campaign to the community of Savanna City near Walkerville to educate the public about the danger of drugs.
According to the Social Worker Mookgo Mofong, the campaign aims to educate the public about the danger of drugs and where possible make an intake on the spot for individuals who are ready to get help.

She added that this was in part a response to a call by the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to find young people who are battling with drugs on the streets.

“Our campaign is impactful as you can see today there are many parents attending and we have managed to do screening and intake of four (4) young males who want to quit nyaope, and they want to get help”, Mookgo said.

One of the service users who came forward was 24-year-old Lehlohonolo Mahlako from Savanna City. He said he’s tired of being accused of by the community for crimes he did not commit. It seems daunting but I am ready to do it, I want to get rid of this demon in my body”, he said.

Explaining services of the department, Social Worker John Ratsiane encouraged residents to come forward and seek help for their children who are hooked on illicit substances. He emphasized that the services of the government are available and can be accessed for free. A government official, Maggie Molemela (48) was one of the parents who had a child that was hooked into nyaope said she understands the trauma of having a child battling nyaope. She, added that she is hopeful that things will get better now that Gauteng Government has declared the fight against substance abuse a top priority.

“I know how painful it is to have your child hooked to these drugs, I walked that route before, I understand the frustrations of all the parents. It’s painful and emotionally draining because substance users end up steal everything in the house, just to feed the habit”, Molemela said.

She applauded the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for fully committing his administration to tackling substance abuse that continues to destroy young people. She said people who are selling drugs must be harshly punished as they destroy the future of our nation.

Molemela urged young people to stay away from drugs and focus on their studies to better their lives and called on community members to report drug suppliers.