Anti-drug campaign in Standerton targets substance abusers at taxi rank
The Department of Social Development partnered with several local municipalities to spread awareness and assess prospective substance users for treatment at public facilities.
The Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Substance Use Disorders Roadshow made a stop at the Standerton Taxi Rank on November 25.
This marked the first event in a district-wide anti-drug abuse campaign. The initiative highlighted services offered at public treatment centres, educated the public on admission procedures, discouraged the use of unregistered facilities, and provided support for those in need, giving them the tools and knowledge to recover.
According to Lubabalo Majenge, spokesperson for the Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM), the taxi rank was chosen as a strategic location due to its high activity, accessibility, and role as a central gathering point for community members.
Majenge explained that the Department of Social Development, the LLM, and other stakeholders in the substance abuse field hosted the event.
“This initiative forms part of the province’s broader efforts to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for individuals battling substance use challenges,” stated Majenge.
The event offered on-site screening and facilitated the immediate admission of individuals requiring intervention. According to Majenge, five individuals with substance abuse problems were identified, assessed, and registered. They were transported to a treatment facility in the Nkangala district.
The DSD stated in a post that 23 individuals expressed willingness to quit their addictions and were tended to by social workers and stakeholders. Eight will undergo detoxification at Standerton Hospital and be admitted to care centres, while the remaining 15 will attend therapy sessions at the DSD offices.
“They will undergo structured rehabilitation programmes aimed at restoring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Majenge.
After completing the programme, participants are expected to return more empowered and capable of reintegrating into society.
The DSD hopes they will reconnect with their families and contribute positively to the community. MMC for Community Services and Safety, Mapaseka Molaba, was also present.
“Our communities deserve hope, healing, and a chance to rebuild,” stated Molaba.
She explained that the event aimed to remove individuals from harmful environments, restore dignity, protect lives, and demonstrate that recovery is possible when all stakeholders work together.
She reinforced the department and municipality’s commitment to giving substance users fair opportunities to receive professional help and reclaim their futures.
The event was attended by multiple stakeholders, including the SAPS, Tsipinoto Funerals, Gert Sibande District Primary Health Care, the Mpumalanga Department of Health, Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, and the Gert Sibande TVET College.
