​Last week Friday, 01 November 2024, three (3) young people from Tsakane in the Eastern Corridor made a life-changing decision by accepting an offer from Gauteng Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, to undergo substance abuse rehabilitation at Dr. Fabian & Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Tshwane.
This came after the MEC visited various drug hotspots in Tsakane as part of the Ke Moja Fridays campaign. The harmful effects of drugs have contributed to a host of social ills for the youth of Tsakane, placing them at risk of severe, life-threatening consequences. Responding to more than fifty (50) users who had made their way to the service delivery blitz, MEC Mazibuko promised them that Social Development officials will further collect identified substance users on Monday, 11 November 2024, and take them to different rehabilitation centres where they will receive detoxification and skills development.

“We thank all the stakeholders that made this day possible, such as SANCA, SAPS, the Department of Health, and various funded and unfunded non-profit organizations.”

“As the Department, we appreciate the partnership for working hand-in-hand with us in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. We also thank the parents that brought their children here to seek help.

We know they trouble you, but now they will be in our safe hands as they undergo rehabilitation,” said MEC Mazibuko.

MEC added, “On Monday, they must pack their suitcases and bid farewell. We are taking them to our treatment centres, namely Dr. F&F Treatment Centre in Cullinan, Jamela Rehabilitation Centre in Vereeniging, and Clinix Foundation based in Johannesburg.”

The Ke Moja Fridays activation campaign has assisted a number of substance users and focused on raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and availing resources to those in need of support.