Facilities operating as illegal drug rehabilitation centres cause for concern

Illegal drug rehabilitation centres are undermining the fight against drug abuse. The authorities and communities need to stand together to fight against such illegal activities. These centres often pose threats to service users as facilities are neither suitable nor adhere to operative standards for drug rehabilitation centers.

Some of these facilities are without any qualified personnel.  They have no doctors, psychological consultation, exercise facilities, proper kitchens, physiotherapy ward, and some do not comply with municipal by-laws. Some owners are opportunists who make money by endangering lives. Communities should take responsibility in reporting these illegal centres to authorities as soon as they become aware of their practices. Communities are also encouraged to check legal status of a treatment centre at the nearest Social Development Office before referring their loved-ones for treatment.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has noted an increase in the number of illegal Drug Treatment Centres or Halfway Houses and has since embarked on a campaign to encourage illegal facilities to register with the department. Efforts to create awareness on dangers of receiving treatment at an illegal treatment centre are also ongoing.

It is disturbing to note that most of the owners running illegal treatment centres only approach the department when Medical Aid Schemes reject their claims. Therefore, one can   conclude that the owners of these facilities are mainly driven by a desire to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens who may not be aware that they are indeed putting their lives in danger by using illegally operating facilities.

The Department is assigned the responsibility to administer the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008. This makes provision for development of programmes, the establishment and management of treatment centers and the establishment of the Central Drug Authority. This Act also makes provision for registration of the Community-Based Services, Treatment Centre’s and Halfway Houses. The Act stipulates that “No person may establish or manage any treatment Centre maintained for the treatment, rehabilitation and skills development of service users or in which such persons receive mainly physical, psychological, spiritual or social treatment unless such treatment centre is registered. The registration as an NPO does not authorize the facility/service to operate and provide substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

To practice legally, the owner of a Treatment Centre   must comply with the following: Submit a completed and signed application form to the Provincial Department of Social Development together with the following supporting documents:

• A copy of the signed constitution of the facility (if the applicant intends to operate as a Non-Profit Organization).
• A copy of deeds document developed by the applicant (if the applicant intends to operate as a legal entity for profit).
• Health Clearance Certificate obtainable from the local municipality.
• Fire Clearance Certificate obtainable from the local municipality.
• Zoning/Re-Zoning Certificate which is in line with the type of proposed business and obtainable from the local municipality.
• Building plan or schematic sketch of the building approved by the local municipality.

Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza also highlighted the plan to fight drugs during this year’s budget vote presentation at Gauteng Legislature. She said, “Our war on substance abuse is raging on. We are implementing the intersectoral Drug Master Plan to improve education, awareness and prevention programmes. This will in turn make more people aware about the dangers of substance abuse”.

“We are encouraged that 4 648 of the 1, 9 million that we reached have completed their treatment and are now clean. We are optimistic that in 2019, 2 540 of the planned 718 843 will be rescued from the clutches of substance abuse. We will continue to lead and implement an integrated programme in all regions as well as establish a halfway house per region to sustain and enhance chances of sobriety for those who have completed their treatment. This will be coupled with the after care programmes to assist those recovering from drugs to maintain sobriety and lead drug free lifestyles”, said Mayathula-Khoza.

As citizens, we are therefore urged to work together with government in improving the lives of our people, but we need to do so within the confines of the law.  Let us be mindful of such illegal activities and report were there’s a need.

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