The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) satellite is situated in Meadowlans zone 9 Soweto, at the Kelekitso secondary school cottage primarily gives hope of rehabilitation to the members of society abusing various substances that threaten their livelihoods.
Velile Mashau an Social Auxillary worker works with Sarah Mokaba and Nkululeko Nkosi who’s a student social worker at the center. They are the frontline workers of the organisation that works closely with the department of Social Development. The offices are warm, assuring and welcoming, a safe space guaranteeing the utmost privacy and dignified support for first visitors.
Mam Veli mentions that they have 4 satellite offices in Soweto which include Diepkloof, Protea and the main head office based at Rockville. They are open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and closed over the weekend. “Upon registering, a file is opened for the patient but prior to that they get screened for substances through a soluble test if indeed they are suffering from any particular addiction. On the prescribed day, the medical team administers the required confirmation test and subsequent to that, our new clients obtain the privilege of being counselled by a social worker and thereafter invited to join the recovery support group.” She mentioned.
Special arrangements are made for students who attend therapy and support group sessions so they do not miss out on their school class lessons. While the staff is supportive, the therapeutic sessions are made up of elaborate various activities for effective remedy to patients. The road to recovery depends on the severity of their addictions including the extent of alcoholism, and their dedication to recover. In some instances, they may be referred to external experts as such in the case of mental illnesses where they may henceforth be referred to the the Zamani clinic based at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital.
Sanca is an outpatient Non-Profit Organisation but in more serious cases where patient admission is required for rehabilitation, special arrangements with required documentation and consent from their family members are processed for admission to the relevant institutions. The success story subsequent to full recovery, is the normal reintegration to the family and society. According to maMashau, the recovered patients are afforded the opportunity of skills development with the trade institutions affiliated to them, depending on their qualifications they are armed with the various trade skills that they can choose from as individuals to empower themselves and earn a living. On completion of the skills program, they get awarded with certificates of competence.
The communities in their close proximity can appreciate the existence of such a safe-house that boasts many years of successfully servicing areas in Soweto such as all the zones of Meadowlands, Orlando, Dobsonville, Braamficherville, Snake Park, and beyond. I particularly ask the decorated lady expert of what drug comes out of the rest affecting people mostly, and she replies; the menace ‘crystal meth’! But she solemnly relates that the addicts consequently do realise that it’s not so cool. And truly change is within! As she refers that some are brought in by their parents and relatives but it depends on the individual if they will take the course. While some are sent in by the police as well as the courts in stipulated circumstances falling under the Section 33 culminating in involuntary admission.
For the many people that they have helped and their meritorious work that they administer in changing lives for the better, they can appreciate the assistance from donors with the revamping and of their office that need a face-lift out of a good heart and some of their specific requirements to enhance their service. Beyond that, the patients have the benefits of mind clearing activities such as gym with professional coaches, catching the air and enjoying the outings and fun places onm their journey of recovery.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
