The Department of Social Development has warned against unregistered substance abuse treatment centres following the discovery of a suspected illegal facility in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, where residents were allegedly chained, and children were reportedly present without appropriate safeguards.
In a statement on Monday, the department condemned the alleged abuse and degrading treatment of people at the facility, raising concern about the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals seeking help for substance use disorders.
“People seeking help for substance use disorders have the right to safe, professional and compassionate care. Their vulnerability must never be exploited, and no practice presented as treatment can justify abuse, neglect or violations of human dignity,” the department said.
As the custodian of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008 (Act No. 70 of 2008), the department reminded service providers that all treatment centres must be registered in accordance with the law.
Section 19 of the Act prohibits any person from establishing or managing a treatment centre unless it is registered. The requirement applies to facilities operated by private individuals, non-profit organisations and faith-based institutions.
All centres are also required to comply with prescribed standards governing the care, treatment and rehabilitation of service users.
Social Development Minister Dina Pule said the immediate priority was to safeguard the rights, safety and wellbeing of those affected, particularly children.
The department is working with law enforcement agencies and relevant government departments to address the matter.
Social workers are facilitating assessments, providing psychosocial support, coordinating appropriate referrals and, where suitable, supporting the safe reunification of affected individuals with their families.
The department urged families and caregivers to verify a treatment centre's registration with their provincial Department of Social Development before admitting a loved one.
They are encouraged to request a valid registration certificate and consult a social worker for guidance on appropriate treatment options.
“Advertising, personal recommendations or religious affiliation should never replace proper verification,” the department said.
Families and caregivers have also been urged to remain actively involved throughout the treatment process, maintain contact with their loved ones and promptly report concerns about their safety and wellbeing.
Allegations of violence, chaining, forced labour, neglect or degrading treatment must be taken seriously and reported to the relevant authorities.
Community members, traditional and religious leaders, as well as organisations involved in referring people for treatment, have been urged to help identify and report suspected unregistered facilities.
Suspected illegal operations should be reported to the nearest Department of Social Development office, while allegations of abuse or other criminal conduct should also be reported to the South African Police Service.
Acknowledging the distress families may experience when seeking help for loved ones struggling with substance use disorders, the department said social workers at local offices could provide information on registered treatment centres, appropriate referral pathways and available support services.
“Recovery requires dignity, compassion, accountability and professional care. The department remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, upholding their rights and ensuring that all treatment centres operate within the law,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
