DELMAS – The Mpumalanga provincial government recently unveiled a fully equipped in-patient treatment centre aimed at rehabilitating victims of substance abuse. The unveiling event, held on Monday, April 15, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to assisting service users. The centre has been in operation for some time. The Nkangala In-Patient Treatment Centre, located in Delmas, was established in response to research showing a high prevalence of substance use disorder in various townships within the Nkangala District. The centre admits male youth above 18 years and adult service users, both voluntarily and involuntarily.
The centre is fully staffed and ready to assist all in-patients seeking help to overcome substance or drug addiction. The staff comprises professional nurses, social workers, and youth care supervisors. The services offered include drug testing, health screening, and patient treatment, with drug awareness campaigns forming an integral part of the centre’s programmes.
Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane elaborated on the centre’s budget, stating, “The government allocated R96 million for the treatment centre. There are five communes, each with ten bedrooms. Each commune accommodates 50 users, and the in-patient treatment centre houses 50 service users until they recover from substance abuse.”
She also discussed the centre’s efforts to keep service users engaged. “We encourage the service users to exercise and have built them a combo court so they won’t get bored and can play,” she added.
Ofentse Moropa, a former service user from the in-patient treatment centre, shared his feelings with Highveld Chronicle. “I am so happy to be going home soon and to interact with other people. I’ve learned a lot of skills from this centre. I’ll be going home on the 2nd of May and want to return to work as a clinical engineer and get my life together,” he expressed.
Community member Mbuso Ngcobo expressed his thoughts on the in-patient treatment centre. “The government is doing a great job by implementing such a programme in this town. This has helped our brothers; some of whom I know personally. I can see a difference now. Plus, this centre is top-notch and accommodates our brothers for free. After their time here, they are accepted by the community,” he said.
