It's a known fact that drugs have taken over townships. Young and old people have become slaves of substance abuse but the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said he can no longer watch and do nothing. As promised Lesufi launched an anti-substance call centre dedicated to addicts. It will be a 24-hour open line to assist and intensify the fight against drugs in and around the province.

SLAVES OF SUBSTANCES

Lesufi said this was a top priority for him because everywhere he goes, there's a corner filled with people who've become slaves of substances.
"You will recall that when we announced the MEC for Social Development , one of the key mandates we gave her was to respond to the challenges of substance abuse in particular nyaope in our communities. Ever since that announcement we have been inundated with calls from parents who wanted help for their children, "he said.

A FACILITY FOR DRUG REHABILITATION

After his election  the premier said he would open a state facility for drug rehabilitation, which will treat young people who are addicted to substances. "We therefore felt we needed to start by  building  infrastructure that can for now  take calls, screen them, and identify areas where there are problems.The Department of Social Development has also deployed trained social workers to assist in  managing the admission of addicts into rehabilitation centres. The helpline will be  controlled by call centre agents who will refer clients to social workers for professional intervention. In due time I will open a state facility for drug rehabilitation, which will treat young people who are addicted to substances," said Lesufi. He added that the programme also has a strong skills support programme as well as a post rehabilitation programme. The helpline can be accessed on 0800 228827 or  GPAntiSubstanceAbuse@Gauteng.gov.za or USSD *134*474727# and follow the prompts