By OBAKENG MAJE
27 June 2025- Admission of clients with substance use disorder commenced at the second state-run treatment centre in Taung on Thursday. Seven men service users were admitted at the centre to undergo a two months rehabilitation process.
Leading a team of officials from the North West Department of Social Development, Health and Greater Taung Local Municipality, the acting Head of Department (HoD), Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele visited the centre to monitor the admission of the first group of substance users.
“This day is very important to us. We are admitting the first group of service users during the day that the country observes the annual international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
“We are making a mark today as the department of social development in the scourge of substance abuse. We would like to express our gratitude to the stakeholders who made it possible to ensure that the centre becomes operational in the current financial year,” said Mhlongo-Kgaboesele.
She further indicated that the collaboration between her department and the Department of Health in the province is not a dream, but a clear testimony that the District Development Model (DDM) is a real service delivery machinery. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele added that the treatment centre, which is situated within Taung District Hospital premises, is being established to meet the growing demand for inpatient rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals affected by substance use disorders in various communities.
“The state-run treatment centre has ten beds for female and ten male service users. The centre obtained its occupancy certificate in April this year. It is conditionally registered for a period of 12 months in line with the Prevention of and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008.
“Since 2018, officials at the centre have rendered community based services to clients with substance use disorders to the entire Dr Ruth Segomotsi District. Their services include screening of clients, counselling of individuals and families at various homes, referral of clients with dual diagnosis to psychiatric wards for treatment and conducting awareness campaigns on substance abuse,” she said.
Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said in pursuit of rending effective rehabilitation services to clients with substance use disorders, the North West Department of Social Development is still to sign a memorandum of understanding with the department of health.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Manager at Taung District Hospital, Rebeccah Setona, said their hospital has been rendering services to clients in accordance with pieces of legislation governing the provision of health services. Outlining their admission procedure, Setona indicated that clients who require detoxification prior to rehabilitation must present themselves to their nearest Community Health Centre or as outpatients at the nearest primary care level.
“Patients should apply voluntarily to receive care, treatment and rehabilitation at the health establishment. As soon as they are done with diagnosis and detoxification, they refer the clients to the department of social development for rehabilitation,” she said.
The Guardian 