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Tswa Daar: Lesufi’s Campaign Helps 650 Young South Africans Escape Drug Addiction
A Fresh Start for Gauteng’s Youth
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has kicked off a new chapter in the province’s fight against drugs. His recently launched Tswa Daar initiative, meaning “get out there,” has already helped 650 young people begin their journey toward recovery.
On Monday, long queues formed at seven screening and admission centres across Gauteng, where young people arrived with parents and community leaders by their side. The atmosphere was emotional but hopeful. For many families, it was the first time in years they’d seen their loved ones take a step toward healing.
From Tembisa, Lesufi led the rollout himself. “Let the venues be full so that everyone can be treated,” he told parents who gathered at the centre. “Some warned me not to start this campaign, but I said I would do it. I am proud that today we have more than 650 young people on their way to rehabilitation.”
A War on Drugs and a Promise of Change
The Tswa Daar campaign isn’t just about rehabilitation; it’s a statement of intent. Lesufi has vowed to tackle the drug supply chains head-on, directing Gauteng Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni to go after the province’s most dangerous dealers.
“I have spoken to the provincial commissioner of police. If he cannot arrest at least 175 drug lords across Gauteng, then his job is over,” Lesufi said firmly. “We must protect our children. We cannot allow drug cartels to destroy their future.”
Behind this strong rhetoric is a deeper message: rehabilitation must go hand in hand with opportunity. Lesufi emphasised that when these young people complete treatment, they won’t be left adrift. “When they come back from rehab, we are going to give them skills that will enable them to get jobs so that they don’t go back to the problems of nyaope,” he said.
The Rising Threat of Crystal Meth
While nyaope has long been the scourge of South African townships, officials say the drug landscape is shifting. Khumo Kgomoeswane from the Department of Social Development revealed that crystal meth has now overtaken nyaope as the most used drug among Gauteng’s youth, accounting for 65% of substance abuse cases in the province.
This trend reflects a dangerous evolution in addiction patterns, one that requires stronger, faster responses. That’s why Tswa Daar brings together healthcare professionals, social workers, and law enforcement to provide immediate, coordinated intervention. The programme includes medical screenings, outpatient services, and rehabilitation placements for those needing intensive care.
Healing Communities, Not Just Individuals
Lesufi’s message throughout the campaign has been clear: this is not only about young addicts but also about families and communities that have suffered silently. “We must not abandon and forget them,” he said. “We must give them love, and we must change their lives so they can come back for a better life.”
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, residents praised the campaign as “a lifeline for parents” and “a real plan, not just talk.” Many called for the initiative to expand into rural areas, where addiction often hides in plain sight.
Beyond Recovery: A Path Forward
Tswa Daar is more than a rescue mission; it’s a reinvention of what rehabilitation can look like in South Africa. By combining treatment with skills development, the programme aims to break the cycle of addiction and unemployment that traps so many young people.
For the 650 youth already admitted, this marks the first step toward freedom. For the province, it’s a promise that no child will be left behind because of addiction. And for Lesufi, it’s a campaign that blends compassion with accountability, a combination South Africa desperately needs.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
