On Friday afternoon, 16 September 2022, the Executive Mayor, Councillor Mpho Phalatse, together with the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Councillor Ashley Sauls I, MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Michael Sun opened the Substance Abuse Treatment Centre in Davidsonville, Region C, Roodepoort.
Ahead of the launch of the new facility, which innovatively offers outpatient services from attractive, prefabricated buildings erected within the clinic grounds, the MMC did a tour of the clinic to assess whether issues he had noted on a previous oversight visit had been attended to.
The MMC was gratified to note that all the issues had been resolved.
“I want to thank the department for showing such commitment and really living up to the slogan of #weCARE: being Called to Act with passion, Respond with compassion and Execute our duties with military precision.”
At the treatment centre launch, MMC Sauls I advised the community and everyone that we all have a role to play and are equally responsible for fighting substance abuse in our communities.
He asked people to desist from pointing fingers at each other, but rather point at themselves.
“Together we have to bring change and transformation,” he said.
Mr Aldine Joseph, a resident in the area, shared his journey of recovery.
“I am standing here as a fighter of drugs in this community as drugs are killing us, especially young guys. I am calling on the community to assist in curbing this scourge of addiction that is growing by the day as I continue fighting. Every day there are new drug dealers in this area; we need help.”
Ms Ellery Botha from the Davidsonville Skills Development Centre Forum explained that the forum aims to reach young people who are involved in drugs or are at risk of being drawn into a destructive lifestyle.
“This Substance Abuse Treatment Centre will no doubt help provide access to treatment and rehabilitation to promote a better quality of life for all our residents.
“This battle is real and can be won if we join forces and work together,” said Ms Botha.
Mayor Mpho Phalatse said that in the year 2016 the City started with building its substance abuse when she was still the MMC for Health and Social Development.
“It was very difficult for us to do anything as it was not the City’s mandate to provide such a facility until we found a loophole in the law saying you can use a primary health care facility to render substance abuse treatment services. It was a beautiful day when we found that, meaning we can offer it in our own facilities.”
MMC Sun had also played an important role in the matter back when he had been the MMC for Public Safety.
The mayor added: “I am here to support you MMCs and I know you are both committed and passionate about community issues like this one. We will continue to fight substance abuse for our young people. To the community, this is your facility – please look after it.”
The launch ended with the mayor cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque, followed by a tour.
The Substance Abuse Treatment Centre is an out-patient rehabilitation centre that is available to serve people from nearby regions too.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact:
Shannon Thompson
Media Liaison Specialist
Office of the MMC for Health and Social Development
060 567 2582
19/09/2022
