The Gauteng Department of Social Development is inviting young people who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction to get help.
This follows an announcement by premier Panyaza Lesufi that the department will be launching a new initiative to rehabilitate the youth addicted to the notorious street drug nyaope.
Lesufi said the initiative will form 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 were received for help with teenage substance abuse from areas such as Hammanskraal, Soshanguve, Kagiso, Diepsloot and Zola.
The helpline is a bid to intensify the fight against substance abuse across the province.
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 or USSD*134*47472# and follow the prompts.
