Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie visiting Treatment Centre/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie along with the Departmental Head, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele on Monday conducted a fact-finding mission dubbed Re Thuse Re Go Thuse oversight to establish the facts that led some staff to put down tools at JB Marks treatment centre in Potchefstroom. The state-run facility was opened in 2020 to offer free drug treatment to service users which includes detoxification and administration inpatient treatment services.
Dantjie said since its establishment, the facility has provided much needed rehabilitation services to users across the province. She further said for a week, some disillusioned staff members suspended their services due to unresolved challenges ranging from shortage of staff to capacity building.
“During my day-long oversight visit to a 40-bed capacity facility, I convened a meeting with the management of the facility, officials from head office and the consent staff to get first-hand information before intervention.
“I have directed the Institution Manager, the District, Programme Managers, Infrastructure Unit and Supply Chain Management to develop a programme of action with timelines within seven days to address staff concerns with a view to stabilise the facility,” she added.
Dantjie said many people in the province still require rehabilitation services of this centre. She said with substance abuse being on the rise among young people and adults alike, they emphasised that officials should find common ground to render rehabilitation services at a brisker pace at JB Marks treatment centre.
The Guardian 