DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WARNS AGAINST UNREGISTERED TREATMENT CENTRES AFTER SIYABUSWA DISCOVERY

By DSD News

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) has condemned the alleged chaining and degrading treatment of people at a suspected illegal treatment centre in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
• Under Section 19 of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008, no treatment centre may operate unless it is registered.
• Families are urged to verify a centre’s registration with their provincial Department of Social Development before admitting a loved one.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has condemned the alleged abuse and degrading treatment of people at a suspected illegal treatment centre in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, in Mpumalanga.

The Department said reports that residents had allegedly been chained, and that children had been present without appropriate safeguards, were deeply concerning and raised serious questions about the protection of vulnerable people.
“People seeking help for substance use disorders have the right to safe, professional and compassionate care,” the Department said. It stressed that their vulnerability must never be exploited and that no practice presented as treatment could justify abuse, neglect or violations of human dignity.

Registration is a legal requirement

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 registration is compulsory. Section 19 of the Act prohibits any person from establishing or managing a treatment centre unless it is registered in accordance with the law.

The requirement applies to all treatment centres, whether they are run by private individuals, non-profit organisations or faith-based institutions. All centres must comply with the prescribed standards and requirements for the care, treatment and rehabilitation of service users.

Support for those affected

The Minister of Social Development, Ms 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 other relevant government departments to address the matter. Social workers are conducting assessments, providing psychosocial support and coordinating referrals. Where appropriate, they are also supporting the safe reunification of affected individuals with their families.

Families urged to verify before admitting

The Department has called on families and caregivers to confirm a treatment centre’s registration with their provincial Department of Social Development before admitting a loved one. They should ask to see a valid registration certificate and consult a social worker for guidance on suitable treatment options.

“Advertising, personal recommendations or religious affiliation should never replace proper verification,” the Department cautioned.

Families and caregivers were also encouraged to stay actively involved throughout the treatment process, keep in contact with their loved ones and raise any concerns about their safety or wellbeing without delay. The Department said allegations of violence, chaining, forced labour, neglect or degrading treatment must be taken seriously and reported to the relevant authorities.

Communities asked to report illegal centres

Community members, traditional and religious leaders, and organisations that refer people for treatment have been urged to help identify and report suspected unregistered treatment centres.

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 (SAPS).

The Department acknowledged the distress and uncertainty that families may experience when seeking help for loved ones struggling with substance use disorders. Social workers at local DSD offices can provide information on registered treatment
centres, appropriate referral pathways and available support services.

“Recovery requires dignity, compassion, accountability and professional care,” the Department said, adding that it remains committed to protecting vulnerable people, upholding their rights and ensuring that all treatment centres operate within the law.