Need addiction help in Gauteng? Where to register on 27 October
Gauteng opens substance-abuse registration sites on Tuesday, 27 October, where residents can be screened and referred for treatment. Here are the venues, what happens there and where to get help any day.
If you or someone in your family is struggling with drugs or alcohol in Gauteng, you can go to a registration site on Tuesday, 27 October, to be assessed and referred for treatment. The provincial government says the drive is an entry point for anyone who needs help, or who is worried about a loved one (TimesLIVE).
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MECs will lead the drive, which marks a year of the province's "Tswa Daar, Ke Moja (I am fine without drugs)" campaign (TimesLIVE).
Where can you register?
The government announced 15 sites across Gauteng's five regions. The venue list it released names these 16 (TimesLIVE):
Johannesburg
- Soweto: Diepkloof Hall
- Alexandra: Alexandra Multipurpose Hall
- Ivory Park: Ivory Park Multipurpose Centre
- Eldorado Park: Eldorado Park Multipurpose Hall
Tshwane
- Atteridgeville: Sithuthukisa Bonke
- Eersterus: Eersterus Civic Centre
- Winterveld: Winterveld Community Hall
- Cullinan: Dr F & F
Ekurhuleni
- Thembisa: Motsho Park
- Vosloorus: Vosloorus Civic Centre
- Geluksdal: Geluksdal Community Hall
- Germiston: Makausi, near Primrose Bus Depot
West Rand
- Toekomsrus: Westview Clinic
- Mogale City: Munsieville Integrated Social Facility
Sedibeng
- Evaton: Mafatsane
- Sebokeng: Sol Tsotetsi Sports Centre
Opening times for the day have not been published.
What happens when you register?
Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said each person will be screened and given medical and psychosocial assessments to work out the right kind of care (TimesLIVE).
Depending on that assessment, you could be referred to inpatient treatment at a rehab centre, outpatient services, or community-based support. The province says it also wants to focus on aftercare and getting people back into their communities, not only on the first step into treatment (TimesLIVE).
Can't make it on Tuesday?
You don't have to wait for the drive. The national substance abuse helpline, run by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) with the Department of Social Development, is toll-free and open 24 hours on 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 32312 (SADAG).
The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) can be reached on 011 892 3829 or on WhatsApp at 076 535 1701 (gov.za).
The Gauteng government also lists treatment facilities you can approach directly, with addresses and phone numbers, on its services page.
How do you know a rehab centre is legal?
Check before you admit anyone. Under the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, it is illegal to run a treatment centre that is not registered, whether it is private, non-profit or faith-based (Department of Social Development).
The department issued that reminder on 19 October after a suspected illegal centre was found in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, in Mpumalanga. It says families should (Department of Social Development):
- confirm the centre's registration with their provincial Department of Social Development
- ask to see a valid registration certificate
- speak to a social worker about treatment options
Adverts, word of mouth or a church connection are not proof that a centre is registered, the department says.
FAQ
When is Gauteng's substance-abuse registration drive?
Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at sites across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, the West Rand and Sedibeng.
What happens at the registration sites?
You are screened and given medical and psychosocial assessments, then referred to inpatient, outpatient or community-based treatment depending on your needs.
Can I go on behalf of a family member?
The Gauteng government says residents who are worried about a loved one are encouraged to use the drive as a starting point for getting them help.
Is there a toll-free addiction helpline in South Africa?
Yes. The SADAG and Department of Social Development substance abuse helpline is open 24 hours on 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 32312.
How do I check if a rehab centre is registered?
Confirm its registration with your provincial Department of Social Development and ask for a valid registration certificate. Running an unregistered treatment centre is illegal.