​During the Gauteng Department of Social Development's Ke Moja Friday campaign held last week Friday on 22 November 2024, MEC for Gauteng Social Development, Faith Mazibuko reprimanded a group of young people found smoking hubbly bubbly near Zombie Park in Riverlea.
 
The park, located in the heart of the township, was identified as a hotspot for youth substance use. As departmental officials assembled their workstations, some young people continued smoking nearby, displaying a lack of respect for the campaign's objectives.
 
Addressing the group, MEC Mazibuko said: "This is a total lack of respect. You can't be smoking in front of government officials who are here to assist you in quitting drugs. Instead, you're showing disregard for their efforts and the work they do. Make up your minds and register for the free rehabilitation programs offered by the department."
 
She further highlighted concerns about the growing trend of smoking hubbly bubbly, particularly at post-exam celebrations during this time of the year. Mazibuko cautioned that use of hubbly bubbly often lead to riskier behaviours, such as lacing the pipes with hardcore drugs, which can result in addiction.
 
Speaking to the media, the MEC emphasized the importance of tackling substance abuse: "Substance abuse is a key focus for us. That's why we're here in Riverlea, together with organizations like SANCA, to profile, assess, and engage locals interested in accessing rehabilitation programs. Substance abuse is not sustainable, everyone must eventually decide to stop."
 
Mazibuko also encouraged community members to take advantage of the department's skills development centres as a pathway to positive change.
 
"Riverlea faces challenges such as gangsterism, where territorial conflicts divide the community. My hope is to see this township united as one, living in harmony."
 
Sergeant Matlala from Langlaagte Police Station echoed the MEC's concerns. He shared insights on collaborative efforts, including door-to-door campaigns and school interventions with ex-offenders, aimed at educating learners about crime and its consequences.
 
The Ke Moja Fridays program, already implemented across all regions in Gauteng, aligns with the National Drug Master Plan and the Gauteng City Region (GCR) Anti-Substance Abuse Strategy. The initiative seeks to reduce drug demand, mitigate the harms of substance abuse, and limit drug availability in communities.