SANCA Limpopo needs your support to expand and assist patients

POLOKWANE – Sanca Limpopo is a centre for outpatient treatment for people suffering from substance use disorders. The council offers services such as treatment programmes, awareness and prevention campaigns, training courses, drug test screening in the workplace and at school, as well as individual screenings.

Sanca Limpopo director Ezekiel Boloka added they also provide aftercare for clients who have completed their treatment.

“Lockdown levels, isolation and increased unemployment rates appear to have elevated substance abuse in the province,” he said.

Boloka explained that one of their biggest obstacles is that substance abuse is regarded as a choice rather than a chronic, relapsing disease which requires treatment.

“As a result of the stigma around the use of substances, people are reluctant to seek treatment. Gradually we are reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, which is one of our most important goals,” he added.

Their biggest challenge is raising money because substance use disorder has negative connotations.

“Fundraising is always a challenge and Sanca Limpopo is grateful to each and every donor who has been generous enough to support us. We would like to encourage companies to take advantage of the services we offer, such as drug testing at the workplace and courses on the management of substance use disorders at the workplace. Schools can also assist the organisation to raise money by hosting a special day where the proceeds get donated to Sanca when we visit the school for a prevention campaign,” he said.

Sanca Limpopo hopes to establish a daycare centre for clients which will provide them with a supportive environment from Monday to Friday and offer one nourishing meal per day, as well as group and individual therapy and medical care. “However, as it stands, the funds we receive go towards car ports for our vehicles, repairs and maintenance of our building, more office space, newer laptops, an extra bathroom for drug testing and newer vehicles to allow us to travel and work within the entire province.”

Boloka’s message to potential donors is that if they have the means to assist Sanca Limpopo to grow, may they do so. “If the use of substances is reduced, the crime statistics also fall. Many social ills are associated with the abuse of substances; gender-based violence, petty theft, mob justice, dropping out of school, teenage pregnancy, as well as dismissal from work which adds to unemployment. These things have a negative impact on our community so any donation benefits society,” he concluded.

Sanca Limpopo is situated at 33 Church Street in Polokwane and operates from 08:00 to 16:00 Mondays to Thursdays and 08:00 to 15:00 on Fridays. You can call them on 015 295 3700, or contact their helpline on 076 482 5898 or send an email to info@sancalimpopo.co.za.