SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST ILLEGAL TREATMENT CENTRES ON WORLD DRUG ABUSE COMMEMORATION
By DSD News.
- Over 100 illegal treatment centres — mainly in Gauteng — have been identified, operating without government approval and often violating fundamental human rights.
- DSD advises caution — Families are encouraged to verify if a facility is registered under the Substance Abuse Act and complies with national norms and standards.
- Ongoing drug busts in Standerton: A R20 million seizure in April and an underground lab discovered in May underscore the region’s drug trafficking issues and the need for coordinated national action.
As South Africa joined the world in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) on 26 June 2025, the Department of Social Development (DSD) used the national commemoration in Standerton, Mpumalanga, to issue a stern warning against the use of unregistered and illegal substance abuse treatment centres.
The national commemoration held in Lekwa Local Municipality — a region identified as a key corridor for drug manufacturing and trafficking due to its proximity to Mozambique, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and major transport routes — brought together stakeholders from across sectors to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to combating the drug crisis through coordinated efforts in prevention, treatment, and regulatory enforcement.
Recent high-profile drug busts in the area, including the dismantling of a R20 million drug lab in April and the discovery of an underground manufacturing site in May, have heightened concern over the growing reach of the illicit drug trade and its harmful consequences, particularly on vulnerable communities.
In her address, the Department’s leadership reiterated that the fight against substance abuse must be anchored in the National Drug Master Plan, with interventions focusing on demand reduction, harm mitigation, and limiting the supply of drugs. But as the need for treatment rises, so does the proliferation of illegal rehabilitation facilities — a growing threat to public safety and human dignity.
“To date, the Department has identified 103 illegal treatment centres operating across the country — many of which violate human rights and compromise the physical and mental wellbeing of those in their care,” said a DSD spokesperson.
These facilities often lack qualified staff, operate without medical supervision and function under unsafe and unhygienic conditions. Cases of chaining, isolation, forced labour, and the administration of medication without medical approval have been reported.
By contrast, legally registered centres adhere to the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (No. 70 of 2008), providing evidence-based, structured treatment programmes managed by professional multidisciplinary teams. There are currently around 300 registered centres across South Africa, including 12 public facilities managed by the state.
The Department urges the public to verify that a facility has visible registration certificates, a structured treatment plan, and compliance with health, zoning, and safety regulations before committing a loved one to any facility. Families can verify the legitimacy of a centre through their nearest DSD provincial office or via the official DSD website (www.dsd.gov.za)
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