The Gauteng Department of Social Development has dismissed reports on social media that you have to wait more than two years to get space at state rehabilitation centres.
This follows a donation drive started by a concerned citizen to collect funds for the rehabilitation of a street beggar and substance user, Bonga Sithole.
The department said Sithole can access rehabilitation for free at state-run drug rehabilitation centres and those run by NPOs subsidised by the government.
The Gauteng Provincial Government still invites young people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction to come and get help.
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Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC Mbali Hlophe this week launched a new initiative to rehabilitate the youth addicted to the notorious street drug nyaope at Dr Florence and Fabian Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Tshwane.
The initiative forms part of the province’s 2030 vision to put the youth at the centre of policy-making decisions, as well as the economy.
In a build-up to the launch, the Gauteng Provincial Government launched a substance abuse helpline after several calls for help with teenage substance abuse.
The helpline is a bid to intensify the fight against substance abuse across the province.
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The 24-hour anti-substance abuse call centre service is a platform for parents and caregivers to apply for rehabilitation for their children or adults addicted to drugs.
Applicants, if successful, will be enrolled at a state rehabilitation centre.
The helpline can be accessed at 0800 228 827, via email at GPAntiSubstanceAbuse@gauteng.gov.za or USSD *134*47472# and follow the prompts.
