Scores of recovering substance users are finding renewed hope and direction through the Tswa Daar Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign, an initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).

The programme, led by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), has admitted participants to the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre as part of its effort to intensify the fight against substance abuse.

Launched to complement existing initiatives such as Ke Moja and Bakae, the Tswa Daar campaign provides access to treatment, counselling, and reintegration support to individuals battling addiction.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Health rolls out malaria awareness in Makause amid increase in imported cases

Beneficiaries share their journeys

Among those who have begun their recovery journey is 25-year-old Nicole Scheepers from Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni.
Scheepers, who struggled with crystal meth and Mandrax addiction, described the first days of rehabilitation as challenging due to homesickness and overcrowding.

“But with encouragement from social workers, care workers, and staff, I’m staying strong and determined to complete the six-week programme,” she said.

Another participant, 23-year-old Rerae Lottering of Daveyton, said the campaign gave her a second chance.

“When I heard about the Tswa Daar campaign, I decided to get help. I came on my own because I realised I needed to be rescued from drugs,” she said.

Natasha George (43), also from Reiger Park, said she joined the programme after advice from her social worker.

“I needed help, and my social worker told me about this programme. I came here of my own choice,” she explained.

ALSO READ: Gauteng health commemorates World Diabetes Day

For Dimakatso Sithipa, 25, from Sharpeville, family support was crucial.

“My family encouraged me to take the first step toward recovery and a sober life,” she said.

These individuals are among thousands who have taken courageous steps toward reclaiming their lives through Tswa Daar, inspiring others still trapped in cycles of addiction.

Department pushes back against DA criticism

At the same time, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has responded to a statement issued by the DA, which labelled the Tswa Daar initiative a disaster. In a sharp rebuttal, the department said the DA’s assessment was inaccurate and dismissive of the thousands who sought help.

“It deliberately ignores the campaign’s documented success to pursue a political narrative,” said departmental spokesperson Teddy Gomba.

He said the campaign launched across 27 sites on October 27, with multidisciplinary teams of nurses, social workers, doctors and police officers providing immediate support.

The department had initially targeted 13 500 individuals and families, but exceeded expectations, registering 13 759 people in a single day. Of these, 2 088 individuals were admitted directly to rehabilitation centres across the province.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Counterfeit Unit raids businesses, uncovers millions in fake products

Pressure on treatment centres is seen as proof of need

The GDSD acknowledged overcrowding challenges at the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre but said this was a consequence of the campaign’s success in mobilising communities and exposing the overwhelming demand for treatment.

“The sight of nearly 1 000 individuals at one centre is a painful but powerful testament to a problem that can no longer be ignored. It validates the very premise of Tswa Daar,” Gomba said.

To manage the influx, the department deployed additional staff for assessments, facilitated safe transfers to other facilities through NGO partnerships, and committed to investigating any allegations of mistreatment.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko also spent several days on site to help guide operations and support staff overwhelmed by the numbers.

A departmental statement issued on November 4 addressed concerns about self-discharges, emphasising that no one was held against their will, further countering claims made by the DA.

Looking ahead: Scaling up rehabilitation services

The department said calls for a forensic investigation misdirect attention from the real issue – a critical shortage of rehabilitation capacity in Gauteng.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Counterfeit Unit raids businesses, uncovers millions in fake products

Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s commitment to expanding services by more than 1 300 additional beds forms part of the long-term plan informed by the data collected during the campaign.

“Tswa Daar has given the department a clear, data-backed picture of the scale of the problem for the first time. It allows us to allocate resources more effectively and respond to the needs of communities,” said Gomba.

Among the thousands helped is a 34-year-old man from Diepkloof who sought treatment after hearing about the campaign in the media.

His story, along with the 2 087 others currently in treatment, represents what the department describes as the true legacy of Tswa Daar.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development says it remains steadfast in its mission to break the cycle of substance abuse through prevention, treatment and sustained recovery support.