Lekwa local Municipality in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Social Development, and other stakeholders in the field of substance use disorder conducted a comprehensive community outreach roadshow at the Standerton taxi rank.
This initiative forms part of the province’s broader efforts to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for individuals battling substance use challenges.
The Standerton Taxi Rank was chosen as a strategic location due to its high activity, accessibility, and its role as a central gathering point for residents from various parts of the municipality.
The roadshow sought to:
Raise awareness about the wide range of services offered by public inpatient treatment centres, including detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare programmes.
Educate community members about the correct and legal process of admission into government approved inpatient treatment facilities.
Offer on-site screening and facilitate the immediate admission of individuals who required urgent intervention.
Reinforce the importance of partnership among government departments, law enforcement, health institutions, and community based organisations in addressing substance use effectively.
Discourage communities from using unregistered, unsafe, and exploitative treatment centres that often operate without proper regulation or qualified personnel.
Through these efforts, five individuals affected by substance use were identified, assessed, and subsequently transported to a registered treatment centre in the Nkangala District. They will undergo structured rehabilitation programmes aimed at restoring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Upon completion, they are expected to return as empowered individuals better equipped to reintegrate into society, reconnect with their families, and contribute positively to their community.
The roadshow enjoyed strong support from multiple stakeholders who continue to play vital roles in the province’s response to substance abuse, including:
Department of Social Development, South African Police Service (SAPS), Tsipinoto Funerals, Gert Sibande District Primary Health Care, Mpumalanga Department of Health, Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs and Gert Sibande TVET College.
Their collective presence demonstrated the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and a united front in fighting the scourge of drugs and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
Present at the roadshow were the MMC for Community Services and Safety, Cllr. Mapaseka Molaba, Cllr. Dorcas Rakitla, Head of Department, Community Services and Safety Ms. Thobeka Mtshiselwa and representatives from various community structures and organisations who continue to champion the fight against substance abuse.
In her address, MMC Molaba emphasised the importance of ongoing, community-based interventions, stating:
“Our communities deserve hope, healing, and the chance to rebuild. Today’s intervention is not just about removing individuals from harmful environments, it is about restoring dignity, protecting lives, and showing that recovery is possible when we work together.
We remain committed to ensuring that every person affected by substance abuse gets the opportunity to receive professional help and regain control of their future.”
The Department and its partners reaffirm their commitment to expanding access to quality treatment services, strengthening support networks, promoting healthier and safer communities across the province.