The Gauteng Provincial Government launched the Tswa Daar (get out of there) initiative, an anti-substance abuse awareness campaign, across Gauteng on October 27.

The initiative was launched simultaneously at multiple locations throughout the province. In Soweto, events took place at Orlando Community Hall and Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park.

Scores of drug users from Eldorado Park and neighbouring areas volunteered to register for the programme, while others were brought forward by their desperate families.

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The Department of Social Development collaborated with NGOs that provide substance abuse services and skills development, the Department of Health, SAPS, CPF and other stakeholders to support drug users on their recovery journey.

The programme aims to promote access to services and educate citizens about the resources available within their communities.

In Eldorado Park, the event was led by MEC for Environment Ewan Botha, accompanied by Ward 17 and 18 councillors Juwairiya Kaldine and Dawn Ponsonby.

Botha said standing with individuals who choose recovery is a powerful reminder that hope can be renewed, even in communities deeply affected by drugs.

“As long as you are alive and still breathing, anything is possible. I have seen people come from the lowest point in life and rebuild their futures one day at a time.

“Recovery is hard yet incredibly brave, and when it succeeds, it changes entire families and communities,” he said.

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He added that government must never lose sight of the human element in society.

“We often talk about infrastructure and the environment, but communities cannot thrive if people are being destroyed by drugs.

“We must protect those in recovery today and ensure the next generation never touches substances that have already stolen so many futures.”

Botha said the provincial government remains committed to long-term support and urged those struggling with addiction to come forward for help so that the current generation can recover and the next can be protected.
Kaldine said the battle against substance abuse requires a united front.

“It is difficult to fight the dealer without the backup of government. When we help a user recover, a dealer loses business and looks for another corner. That is why we are committed to ongoing night operations, working closely with anti-drug activists and law enforcement to protect our neighbourhoods.”

Kaldine acknowledged local champions including Come Back Mission and the Crime Prevention Wardens, applauding their role in helping affected residents access inpatient and outpatient support.

She encouraged participants who registered for rehabilitation to stay committed to change.

“Your only true failure is when you stop trying. Recovery is a journey. Do it for yourself, your families and this community. We support you, we pray for you and we want to welcome you back as stronger individuals.”

Recovering drug users shared their stories to motivate those beginning their journey.

Millicent du Plessis from Ext 4 spoke about her 30-year battle with alcoholism, which led to violence, fear and separation from her children. She said seeking help from Sanca changed everything, giving her safety, dignity and a second chance.

Du Plessis urged others not to give up, reminding attendees that alcohol is also a dangerous drug and that recovery is possible with the right support.

Another recovering user from Extension 7 shared that alcohol controlled her life for 13 years and caused deep pain within her family. She said Sanca and her social worker supported her through every step of her recovery.
The substance abuse services provided included:
• Intake and screening assessment
• Provision of medicals and assessment on-site by the Department of Health
• Referral to community-based services where relevant
• Comprehensive assessment and preparation for inpatient rehabilitation
• Submission of documents to inpatient rehabilitation centres
• Transport to rehabilitation facilities
• Referral to skills development or halfway houses
• Aftercare services and reintegration into family and community
• Involuntary placements
• Prevention and awareness campaigns

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For more information about Tswa Daar, call the toll-free helpline at 0800 22 88 27, email support@gauteng.gov.za or use the free USSD code 13447472#.

For local NPOs contact:
• SANCA Central Rand (Eldorado Park Satellite) at 072 011 4462, or SANCA National at 011 892 3829, or via WhatsApp at 076 535 1701
• City of Johannesburg Clinic, Extension 9 at 083 702 8901
• Come Back Mission at 076 674 7093
• Gangs to Grace at 078 884 5412