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Social Development warns against unregistered treatment centres in Mpumalanga

Published

The Department of Social Development said residents were allegedly chained at a suspected illegal substance abuse facility in Waterval B, Siyabuswa. Children were reportedly there without safeguards. The department urged families to check that a centre is registered before they use it.

The department condemned the alleged abuse and degrading treatment of people at the facility. It released its statement on Monday.

It reminded providers that all treatment centres must be registered under the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, Act No. 70 of 2008. Section 19 of the Act prohibits anyone from establishing or managing a treatment centre unless it is registered.

The department also gave advice to families. It said: "Advertising, personal recommendations or religious affiliation should never replace proper verification".

Key facts

Who
Dina Pule (Social Development Minister); Department of Social Development (issued the statement warning against unregistered treatment centres)
What
The department condemned alleged abuse at a suspected illegal treatment facility in Waterval B, where residents were allegedly chained and children were reportedly present without safeguards. It reminded providers that all treatment centres must be registered under the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008, and urged families to verify registration.
When
19 October 2026
Where
Waterval B, Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga
Status
Reported

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