Out-patient Centres
Rehabilitating substance users in Gauteng has been dealt a massive blow by the Department of Social Development as the number of people accessing out-patient centres across the province fell far short of the department’s target for the third quarter.
The Department had aimed to assist 4331 people through out-patient centres, but only managed 2704.
Others targets not achieved in this quarter include:
- Only 29 out of 45 substance abuse services centres complied with regulations to be registered; and
- 1798 patients out of a planned target of 9056 are participating in after care programmes.
Unemployment, Poverty and Crime
Year on year, this department has failed to deliver on its mandate, let alone address the scourge of drugs and its impact on families and society.
Drugs abuse is a blunt escape mechanism for many residents of Gauteng facing the challenges of unemployment, poverty and crime.
Social Development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, must take swift action against officials in her department who are failing to ensure that residents of Gauteng have access to treatment and an improved quality of life.
The DA will in the next few weeks conduct oversight visits to treatment facilities, including NPOs facing financial woes – to highlight the shortcomings of the department and take up the plight with the MEC.
Media Enquiries:
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development
060 558 8297