Lesufi says 115 substance abuse support centres to open across Gauteng

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says 115 substance abuse support centres will soon open at recreation facilities across the province. 

He said the move forms part of a wider provincial effort to address the rising number of young people addicted to drugs. 

Speaking during Heritage Day celebrations at the Kagiso Memorial Centre, Lesufi revealed that Gauteng currently has the highest number of youth drug users in the country. 
  
The new centres, including one already opened at Kagiso will operate in partnership with the departments of health, social development, and the SAPS. 

The premier has also called on residents to bring forward anyone struggling with addiction, saying they will be assessed, with some referred for hospital treatment and others admitted to rehabilitation centres. 

"It's a number of children who are going through drug abuse. I went through the numbers, they are indeed shocking. There is a generation that has the potential to be completely wiped off completely if we can't stand up."