Action day proposed for immediate rehab support
Over 13 000 people across the province were assessed, and more than 2 000 people were taken to rehab.
A new anti-drug campaign recently launched by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) made a stop by Saulsville to offer help to those struggling with substance abuse.
The #TswaDaar campaign was launched by the department on October 27 and rolled out across several communities in the province.
In Tshwane, the campaign was in full swing at the Saulsville Arena, the Giant Stadium at Soshanguve, the Matimba Sinqobile Centre (Mamelodi Ext 5), Jubilee Shopping Mall, Eersterust Civic Centre, and the Bronkhorstspruit Sports Centre.
Healthcare teams on site provided essential services, including dental care, general health screenings, dietetic support, and social work services, in collaboration with the department.
The rehabilitation teams look to empower young people recovering from substance abuse through education on self-hygiene and skills development to help them reintegrate into society.
The team is also raising awareness about ways to reduce the spread of TB and HIV, including avoiding the sharing of crystal smoking tools and practising safer health habits.
Chief Occupational Therapist Nkhateleng Dlamini said their services focus on supporting both the patients and their family members to ensure lasting recovery.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said drug use is something communities and families should not sweep under the rug, but confront head-on.
“I will never agree to a situation where our children are dying from drugs. Our children are hidden from family meetings because they’re on drugs, and all of us want to accept this as normal. This is not normal,” he said.
Lesufi said there must be a day when addicts can be assessed by nurses and doctors. He added that those who need assistance must be taken to rehab immediately.
“The entire Gauteng, let the beds get full and assist those who need it.”
All-in-all, the launch of the campaign saw 13 759 people reached and 2 088 admitted across Gauteng.
MEC for Education Matome Chiloane led the delegation overseeing Tshwane sites and was accompanied by MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
During his address at the Bronkhorstspruit Sports Centre, he advocated for the protection of this current generation of young people and keeping them away from substance abuse.
“What brought us to this point is our children. In our homes, there isn’t peace. When you’re a parent leaving the house to go to the store, and you know your child is captured by this devil called drugs, you know something will be missing in the house by the time you come back. This is not a life we should be living,” Chiloane said.
The MEC said #TswaDaar aims to take users out of the environments that worsen their addictions and put them on the rehabilitative path.
“It won’t start and end with us as government. Everyone has a responsibility. Families must support their children when they are undertaking the process. The police must address and close drug dens. If these drugs are still available on the streets, it’s very easy for someone to relapse,” Chiloane said.
Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17jSWstg4j/
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