Community health drive boosts substance abuse intervention in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve
Substance abuse intervention efforts are gaining momentum in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve, offering renewed hope to families and communities.
Residents in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve are seeing renewed hope as the Community-Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP) continues to provide critical support to vulnerable individuals affected by substance abuse.
The Section 79 Committee for Health, led by Chairperson Peggy de Bruin, recently conducted oversight engagements at COSUP centres in Ga-Rankuwa (Reatlegile) and Soshanguve M17.
The engagements formed part of the metro’s broader commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare services and ensuring that substance use interventions remain accessible and effective.
COSUP, an initiative of the metro, focuses on harm reduction, psychosocial support, and integrated healthcare for individuals battling substance dependency.
The programme provides services such as opioid substitution therapy, counselling, primary healthcare support, and referrals to rehabilitation facilities.
During the engagements, committee members met with centre management and staff to assess service delivery, discuss operational challenges, and evaluate the overall impact of COSUP in the communities it serves.
The centres in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve play a pivotal role in addressing the social and health consequences of substance use, particularly among unemployed youth and vulnerable adults.
De Bruin said the programme remains a cornerstone of the municipality’s public health strategy.
“COSUP is about restoring dignity and saving lives. We understand that substance use is not only a law enforcement matter but a public health issue that requires compassion, structured support and sustainable interventions.
“The centres in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents,” she said.
She added that the metro remains committed to strengthening partnerships, addressing challenges identified during oversight processes, and ensuring the sustainability of the programme.
A Ga-Rankuwa resident, Michael Ngobeni, said the programme has helped families who once felt helpless.
“We have seen young people who were lost to drugs slowly finding their way back. The counselling and medical support offered here give families hope. It’s not perfect, but it is changing lives,” he said.
Koketso Mahlobo described COSUP as a vital community anchor, “Before COSUP, many people were just roaming the streets with no help. Now there is a place where they can go without being judged. It has reduced tension in our neighbourhood because people are getting assistance instead of being pushed aside,” he said.
Healthcare practitioners and support staff at the centres were commended for their dedication and professionalism in delivering services under often challenging conditions.
Their work includes daily patient consultations, follow-ups, community outreach initiatives, and educational awareness campaigns aimed at preventing substance abuse.
Also read: Unsung heroes honoured for their selfless service in Soshanguve
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