Gauteng is taking a firm stand against drug abuse. On Monday, 27 October 2025, Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will unveil Tswa Daar!, a provincewide campaign aimed at reclaiming communities and saving lives.
Tswa Daar means “step out” or “get out” in Setswana. It is both an appeal and a message of hope. The initiative brings together government departments, non-profit organizations and communities to fight alcohol and drug abuse through prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.
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A Provincewide Push for Recovery
The campaign will roll out across all five regions of Gauteng: Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand. MECs will lead operations in each region to ensure that government reaches people where help is most needed.
The main launch takes place at Mehlareng Stadium in Thembisa. At the same time, satellite events will unfold at community halls, sports fields and civic centres across the province.
Premier Lesufi will lead the launch, joined by MECs Faith Mazibuko, Tasneem Motara, Jacob Mamabolo, Matome Chiloane, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and Lebogang Maile. Their presence in different areas shows a united provincial response to one of Gauteng’s most urgent challenges.
What Tswa Daar Offers
Each Tswa Daar site will be supported by doctors, nurses, social workers, police officers and youth officers. These teams will offer direct help to substance users and their families.
Services include
- Health and medical screening
- Help with affidavits for rehab admission
- Support with identity document applications
- Profiling of users for job and training opportunities
- Admission into rehabilitation programmes
- Outpatient care and aftercare services
- Registration for skills development
A provincial database will also be created to track substance abuse patterns and guide the fair distribution of rehabilitation resources.
Breaking the Cycle: Healing Through Opportunity
While the province continues to invest in rehab facilities, Tswa Daar goes beyond treatment. It aims to fix the social and economic roots of addiction.
Unemployment, poverty, and lack of education often fuel substance abuse. By profiling users for jobs and linking them to training, the campaign helps people rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko said the campaign’s focus is community-driven and compassionate.
We cannot allow alcohol and drugs to destroy our communities. This is about giving people an escape and a future.
Partnerships and Community Action
The Gauteng Provincial Government is working closely with NGOs, rehab centres, faith groups, and community movements. The goal is to make recovery a shared effort, not a private struggle.
Schools, churches, parents, and local businesses are being encouraged to identify people in need and connect them with Tswa Daar centers. The slogan Bring your son or daughter, your friend, brother, or sister captures the campaign’s people-first approach.
Addiction is being redefined as a social challenge rather than a criminal one. It calls for understanding, compassion, and consistent support.
Where to Find Tswa Daar in Gauteng
Residents can access Tswa Daar services between 09h00 and 14h00 on Monday, 27 October 2025, at the following venues.
Johannesburg
- Orlando Community Hall, 10 Mooki Street, Orlando
- Rabie Ridge Hall, 2 Korhan Crescent Ridge
- Orange Farm Sports Field, Link Road, Stretford
- Don Mateman Centre, 4044 Link Crescent, Eldorado Park
- Kwabhekilanga Sports Ground, 336 Phiziqubu Street, Far East Bank, Alexandra
- Ennerdale Ext 9 Open Field, Corner Katz and Smith Road
- Westbury Recreation Centre, Roberts Avenue
Tshwane
- Matimba Sinqobile Centre, Mamelodi Ext 5
- Giant Stadium, Soshanguve
- Saulsville Arena, 1 Malebye Street
- Jubilee Shopping Mall, Corner Jubilee and Harry Gwala Roads
- Eersterus Civic Centre, Corner PS Fourie and Hans Coverdale Road
- Bronkhorstspruit Sports Centre, 32 Olifant Crescent
Ekurhuleni
- Mehlareng Stadium, Thembisa
- Sam Ntuli Sports Complex, 51 Matsemela Street, Thokoza
- Tsakani Stadium, 32019 Modjadji Street, Tsakani
- Reiger Park Stadium, 6 Goedehoop Avenue, Tokoza
Sedibeng
- George Thabe Stadium, Sharpeville
- Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex, Zone 14, Sebokeng
- Rusterval Community Hall, 64 Kiepersol Road
- Mafatsane Thusanong Community Hall
West Rand
- Wedela Hall
- Ubuntu Arts and Craft Centre, Ga-Mohale Magaliesburg
- Kagiso Hall, 8757 Mmusong Avenue
- Toekomsrus Hall, Gold Street
- Simunye Community Hall, Westonaria
- Khutsong South Multipurpose Centre, Ext 4
Building a Healthier, Safer Gauteng
Tswa Daar is part of the province’s broader Anti-Substance Abuse Response Program. It forms part of Premier Lesufi’s vision for a safer, healthier, and more economically active Gauteng.
The campaign supports the GGT2030 Development Strategy, linking health and social projects with job creation and community safety.
MEC Lebogang Maile, who will oversee the campaign in Orlando and Orange Farm, said Tswa Daar represents the kind of government Gauteng needs, one that goes to the people, listens, and acts.
Why Tswa Daar Matters
Substance abuse continues to destroy families, increase crime, and limit opportunity, especially among the youth. Many people remain trapped in poverty and addiction.
Tswa Daar aims to change that story. It replaces stigma with support and punishment with possibility. The campaign’s decentralised model ensures that every region, from suburbs to townships, can access help.
By embedding recovery centres in communities, Tswa Daar brings hope directly to the people who need it most.
Step Out, Stand Up and Support Change
On 27 October, every Gauteng resident can play a role. You can help by accompanying someone to a Tswa Daar site, volunteering at an event, or simply sharing information.
Change begins with compassion and community effort. Tswa Daar calls on all residents to take that step, help rebuild families, and restore dignity across the province.
Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 22 88 27
Email: [email protected]
USSD: 13447472# (zero-rated)
Together, Gauteng can break the chains of addiction one step, one person and one community at a time.
