MEC DANTJIE INTERVENES TO STABILISE REHABILITATION SERVICES AT JB MARKS TREATMENT CENTRE

By: DSD News

• North-West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, conducted an oversight visit to JB Marks Treatment Centre following service disruptions linked to staff grievances.
• The MEC directed management and relevant departmental units to develop a seven-day action plan aimed at addressing operational and staff concerns at the facility.
• This intervention reinforces the Department’s resolve to ensure steady rehabilitation services in response to growing substance abuse challenges across the province.

Accompanied by the Head of Department, Ms Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele, the MEC conducted a fact-finding oversight visit on Monday as part of the Department’s Re Thuse Re Go Thuse MEC oversight programme. The visit aimed to establish the underlying issues that led to staff dissatisfaction and temporary service disruptions at the state-run rehabilitation centre.

Opened in 2020, the JB Marks Treatment Centre offers free rehabilitation services, including detoxification and inpatient treatment programmes for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Over the years, the 40-bed facility has become an important support centre for communities across the North-West Province.

During the engagement, the MEC met with facility management, officials from the Department’s head office, district representatives and affected staff members to gain first-hand insight into the challenges facing the institution. Among the concerns raised were staff shortages, capacity constraints and the need for skills development and support.

During the oversight visit, MEC Dantjie addressed the employees and emphasised the importance of restoring stability at the centre to ensure uninterrupted rehabilitation services for those in need.

“I have directed the institution manager, the district, programme managers, infrastructure unit and supply chain management to develop a programme of action with timelines within seven days to address staff concerns with a view to stabilise the facility,” said MEC Dantjie.

She emphasized that many individuals and families in the province depend on the centre’s services and urged continued efforts to ensure support remains accessible.

With substance abuse continuing to affect both young people and adults, the MEC urged all stakeholders to collaborate to strengthen service delivery and improve the treatment centre’s operations.

The oversight visit supports the Department’s broader commitment to improve conditions at social development facilities and ensure vulnerable members of society continue to receive critical care and support services.