DSD urges residents to use registered substance abuse treatment services
As we commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, we appeal to residents to make use of registered treatment facilities and programmes.
There are 91 registered treatment services on the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s database. However, there are also 51 unregistered treatment organisations that offer treatment services. This includes inpatient centres, community-based services, and halfway houses.
All inpatient treatment facilities, community-based treatment services, and halfway houses must be registered to operate by the provincial Department of Social Development.
“If you or your loved ones need help with substance abuse treatment, I encourage you to seek help from a registered service. We have received and investigated complaints human rights abuses at unregistered facilities,” said Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt.
“Registration means that the service complies with the required standards, and have the required qualified professionals to help you, and is operating legally,” said Minister Londt.
A registered service will have their certificate displayed at the front desk, which will indicate the validity date and number of residents the facility can accommodate. It must be noted that registration to operate legally as a substance treatment service, which is done exclusively by provincial departments of Social Development, is separate to registration as an NPO, which is completed by the National Department of Social Development.
The Department of Social Development’s Substance Abuse programme has increased its budget by R6 million to R128,1million for the 2026/27 financial year.
If you are unsure about a treatment programme’s registration status, contact the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250 or SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za
Media Enquiries
Esther Lewis
Head of Communications
Department of Social Development
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za