Gauteng Department of Social Development Puts Sport at The Heart of Substance Abuse Recovery
10 September, 2026
Sipho Ncube
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has strengthened its substance abuse rehabilitation programme with the launch of a multi-purpose sports facility at the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan, Tshwane.
The facility will provide recovering substance users with opportunities to participate in sport and physical activities as part of a holistic approach to recovery, helping them build discipline, confidence, healthy routines and positive relationships while preparing for life beyond the treatment centre.
Substance abuse is a complex challenge that requires more than medical detoxification. The Department’s rehabilitation approach combines clinical treatment with psychosocial support, counselling, occupational therapy, sport and recreation, family support and skills development to address the different factors that contribute to substance use and support sustainable recovery.
Speaking at the launch, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said the facility will provide recovering substance users with a positive environment in which they can rebuild their lives.
“Recovery is not only about stopping the use of substances. It is about helping people rebuild their confidence, restore their relationships, develop healthy routines and acquire the skills they need to live independently. Sport can play an important role in that journey by giving people a sense of purpose, belonging and achievement.”
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said the Department continues to strengthen its response to substance abuse while working with law enforcement and other stakeholders to address both the demand for and supply of drugs.
“While law enforcement agencies continue to disrupt the criminal networks that bring drugs into our communities, Social Development deals every day with the consequences of substance abuse. Our responsibility is to ensure that when people enter treatment, they receive the support they need to recover and return to their communities with hope and purpose.”
She said the new facility should be integrated into individual rehabilitation programmes and used to encourage recovering substance users to discover their abilities and develop positive interests.
“Sports gives people a sense of belonging and achievement. We must therefore use this facility deliberately. It must be alive with activities and form part of the recovery journey. We want our service users to use sport to rediscover themselves, build their confidence and begin a new chapter of sobriety.”
The Department is also working to strengthen the link between rehabilitation, skills development and economic opportunities. Recovering substance users who acquire practical skills during their rehabilitation could, where appropriate, be linked to opportunities within GDSD-funded Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), including areas such as maintenance, plumbing, electrical work and security.
One of the recovering substance users, Sibusiso Ngwenya*, 24, welcomed the facility, saying it would provide residents with constructive activities during their recovery.
“Apart from the treatment we receive, we will now have something positive to look forward to. Some of us participated in different sporting codes before coming here, so this gives us an opportunity to stay active, regain our strength and prepare ourselves for life outside the centre.”
The launch is part of the Department’s continuous efforts to strengthen substance abuse prevention, treatment and aftercare services across Gauteng. Through its treatment centres, prevention programmes, community-based interventions, funded NPOs and initiatives such as Ke Moja, the Department continues to work with communities to prevent substance abuse, support people in recovery and reduce the social impact of addiction.
The Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre is a state-run substance abuse treatment facility situated in Cullinan, Tshwane. It provides inpatient treatment services to people affected by substance use disorders. Following renovations, the facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 500 service users.
*Name changed to protect the substance user’s identity.