DELMAS – What began as an atmosphere of hope yesterday, on 18 September 2025, quickly turned into frustration at Delmas Taxi Rank when the Department of Social Development (DSD) told over 50 people suffering from substance abuse that it reserved space for only two people.
Sipho Phiri, number 43 on the waiting list, expressed his frustration. “They say they are only taking two people today, but there are so many of us here who need help,” he said. “While we wait, what must we do — keep smoking drugs until we die? We need more centres and more support from government, municipalities, and even nearby mines to fund rehabilitation places.”
Those selected for the rehabilitation programme are usually sent to the Nkangala In-Patient Treatment Centre (NITC), which reserves beds for all six municipalities in the district. To ease tensions, DSD added three more spaces, raising the number to five for the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM). The NITC accommodates a maximum of 40 patients at a time for its three-month recovery programme.
“We took four young men and one young woman for rehabilitation. One of the young men, who is under 18, will attend Marck Treatment Centre. The other three men will go to NITC, while the young woman will be admitted to Swartfontein Treatment Centre,” said Marcus Masemola, Chairperson of Mpumalanga Anti Substance abuse forum.
This free rehabilitation programme is part of DSD’s #Siyabalanda campaign, which tackles substance abuse and raises awareness about public inpatient treatment services.
Phiri, who received counselling on-site, added that addressing the supply of drugs is as important as offering rehabilitation. “It doesn’t help to take people for rehabilitation, only for them to return to an environment where drugs are still easily available,” he said.
The NITC roadshows, led by DSD Member of Executive Council (MEC) Nompumelelo Hlophe, aim to showcase government rehabilitation services and explain the admission process.
“The roadshows not only provide information but also offer immediate assistance by admitting drug users who require rehabilitation. Today, the #Siyabalanda team is here to fetch two of our brothers and sisters who are ready to take the first step towards recovery,” said Siyabonga Shungube, Manager of the NITC. Substance abuse remains a pressing issue, particularly among the youth, contributing to school dropouts, rising crime, and job losses. Families continue to bear the heavy burden of its consequences.
“As a mother, it has been heartbreaking to watch my son change because of drugs. He now steals from me. I have tried everything to get him help but failed many times. All we want is for our children to get better. These campaigns give us hope,” said Dorah Mamaine, a parent from Delmas Extension 6.
The programme also received support from the VKLM Traditional Healers Practitioners, who pledged their support and even accompanied some drug users who had approached them for help.
Chairperson Zamani Khanyile emphasised their readiness to work with the department, addressing what he described as the “dark” spiritual element of addiction.
Speaking on behalf of the municipality, Acting Mayor Blondie Mbalati highlighted the need to mobilise more resources to ensure that many drug users willing to be rehabilitated are assisted. “We have seen the gap and we will close it. We are looking to collaborate with mines and other companies to see how best we can assist our people,” he said.
The Department said the roadshows are critical in bridging the gap between services and the communities that need them most. By bringing information and direct support closer to residents, the programme is creating opportunities many thought were out of reach.
Nsizwa Ngobese, a survivor who completed treatment at a government facility, shared a testimony of hope. “I went to a rehabilitation centre during one of these roadshows, and today I am fully rehabilitated. It is very important to go through registered centres because that’s where you get the professional help and support you need.”
In ensuring that more drug users receive support, Mbalati committed to assisting Thabo “Rasta” Simelane, founder of Abaphile Abantu Social Welfare, a local resident praised for dedicating his limited resources to helping young people break free from drugs.
“We will assist him with paperwork and link him with the right platforms for full support, as he has shown commitment in closing the gap caused by limited intake at the rehab centre,” Mbalati added.
Out of the six municipalities in Nkangala District, the roadshows will continue in the remaining two, eMalahleni and Steve Tshwete.
