Lesufi’s failure to act on substance abuse leaves youth in danger

In March 2025, the DA revealed that the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) squandered over R34 million on preliminary planning for the Tembisa Rehabilitation Facility without starting construction, leaving many young people trapped in addiction without access to proper care.

Moreover, the DA highlighted the government’s decision to reduce nearly half of its inpatient drug rehabilitation capacity by withdrawing funding from five rehabilitation centres, resulting in the loss of 246 treatment beds. This has resulted in limited access to essential services and highlights the failure of Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s administration to decisively address the issue of substance abuse, despite repeated promises.

The shortage of inpatient and outpatient facilities, particularly in underserved and rural communities, means many affected youths lack access to treatment, thereby perpetuating addiction and deepening the crisis.

Unfortunately, substance abuse doesn’t exist in isolation; its consequences spread through society, amplifying other crises. One of its most harrowing effects is its role in fuelling crime, violence, deviant behaviour and bullying. Substance abuse also poses challenges in an academic context, resulting in poor academic performance for learners and possibly dropping out of school.

The DA urges the Gauteng Provincial Government to deliver the infrastructure and support systems essential to overcoming substance abuse, ensuring every young person in Gauteng has a chance at a healthy, addiction-free future.

Refiloe Nt’sekhe MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development