By JOHANNESBURG — In a major boost to public health infrastructure in the province, Gauteng is expanding its inpatient capacity to combat substance abuse with the imminent opening of the Father S’mangaliso Mkhatshwa (FSM) Centre in Soshanguve.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, announced the milestone during an oversight visit to evaluate the facility’s readiness. The centre marks a critical step forward in addressing the mounting demand for accessible rehabilitation and treatment services across the province.
Breathing New Life Into a Vital Community Asset
Originally established as a Child and Youth Care Centre, the facility was forced to close its doors in June 2018 due to occupational health and safety concerns. Recognizing the escalating burden of substance use disorders and the urgent need for state-run inpatient facilities, the Gauteng Department of Social Development heavily invested in refurbishing and repurposing the grounds.
While services will be rolled out gradually in carefully managed phases, the facility is designed to accommodate approximately 400 patients at a time once it reaches full operational capacity.
“We are happy with the progress made so far and that the Department will soon be able to utilise this facility,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko stated during her inspection. “Although services will be introduced in phases, the Centre will ultimately accommodate about 400 patients at a time. This will go a long way in strengthening our efforts to fight substance abuse in Gauteng.”
A Collaborative Public-Private Approach
To ensure top-tier clinical and social care standards, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has secured a strategic partnership with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) Pretoria. SANCA Pretoria will work hand-in-hand with the Department to manage and administer specialized treatment programs at the site.
“We appreciate our partnership with SANCA Pretoria,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko noted. “Through such partnerships, we can achieve more and ensure that people affected by substance abuse receive the treatment and support they need.”
Katlego Boshielo, Executive Manager at SANCA Pretoria, echoed this sentiment, expressing deep gratitude to the provincial government for entrusting the organization with the venture.
“The community will benefit immensely from this centre,” Boshielo said. “Our Board members are proud to be part of this initiative, and we remain committed to providing quality services that will help restore lives and give people hope to rebuild their future.”
Comprehensive Care Framework
Operating under the legislative framework of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008—which mandates the formal registration of all clinical substance abuse treatment services—the FSM Centre is slated to offer structured inpatient recovery programs.
During its initial rollout, the centre will focus heavily on essential medical and psychosocial services, including comprehensive detoxification, specifically catering to adult males.
Health experts point out that expanding state-backed inpatient beds is vital for bridging the treatment gap in densely populated urban centres like Gauteng, where community resources are frequently overstretched.
By adding the FSM Centre to its existing grid of state treatment facilities, the Gauteng Department of Social Development aims to provide a reliable pathway to recovery, lowering barriers to entry for individuals and families devastated by substance dependency.
