The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) is stepping up its fight against substance abuse with the launch of the Thembelitsha Halfway House, a facility aimed at helping recovering substance users reintegrate into society and sustain long-term sobriety.
As part of the Tswa Daar 2.0 campaign, MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, on Tuesday welcomed about 80 recovering individuals to the centre, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing structured aftercare, skills development, and economic empowerment.
Addressing the beneficiaries, MEC Mazibuko praised their determination to overcome addiction, stressing the importance of ongoing government support:
“As a department, we appreciate your determination to overcome substance abuse. Through centres such as this, government is ensuring that recovery does not end at rehabilitation but continues with skills development and empowerment that can be turned into sustainable livelihoods.”
The Thembelitsha Halfway House provides relapse prevention programmes, life skills training, and opportunities for beneficiaries to develop competencies that can help them secure employment or start businesses. Acting Director for Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Khumo Kgomoeswana, encouraged participants to remain committed:
“You have travelled a long and difficult journey towards sobriety. We encourage you to remain committed, take advantage of the opportunities provided, and equip yourselves with skills that will sustain you beyond your stay here, as recovery is a lifelong journey.”
Chief Executive Officer of the facility, Phapha Ratladi, echoed the sentiment, promising continuous support throughout the recovery process:
“Changing old habits is not easy, but through this programme, we will walk this journey together to help you rebuild your lives and achieve lasting change.”
For many participants, the centre represents a critical opportunity to rebuild their lives. Thandolwethu Ndlovu (not his real name) from Katlehong expressed gratitude for the initiative:
“After completing my rehabilitation programme, I am grateful for this chance to further my recovery. I hope to gain skills, particularly in starting and managing a business, during my six-week stay here.”
The Tswa Daar campaign forms part of the province’s broader strategy under the Demand Reduction Pillar of the National Drug Master Plan, and involves partnerships with other government departments and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to address the social impact of substance abuse and restore dignity to affected communities.
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