The chairperson of the Section 79 Health Committee, Peggy de Bruin, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening community health services.

She conducted unannounced oversight visits to the Community Orientated Substance Use Programme (COSUP) centres in Soshanguve Block K and Soshanguve Block V (Jukulyn) earlier this month.

De Bruin said the surprise inspections were part of her ongoing mission to ensure that community health facilities under her portfolio are operational, well-maintained and serving residents effectively.

“Our COSUP centres are lifelines for many vulnerable members of our community, and their operation must be flawless,” said De Bruin.

“By conducting unannounced visits, we ensure transparency and get an authentic, unfiltered look at the challenges and successes on the ground. The people who rely on these centres deserve dignity, confidentiality, and the highest quality of care.”

During the visits, De Bruin assessed the overall functionality of the centres, staff responsiveness, and the quality of services offered.

She also identified areas requiring maintenance or additional support to improve service delivery.

The COSUP centres play a critical role in providing harm reduction, rehabilitation, and health support services to individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

Each facility operates from 08:00 to 16:00, serving residents across Soshanguve and surrounding areas.

De Bruin said the staff at the Block K centre includes a caregiver, social worker and and members of the multi-sectoral team.

At Block V centre, seven staff members are employed, including two social workers, a caregiver and a peer educator.

She said currently the Block V centre is assisting 80 enrolled patients and also provides operational support to the Hammanskraal COSUP centre until it becomes fully staffed.

She added that the Block K centre supports the Winterveldt COSUP satellite centre.

The centres provide screening and brief interventions, medical and health examinations, counselling and social support, needle exchange programmes, opioid substitution therapy, HIV and TB testing and screening, as well as skills development and post-rehabilitation support.

De Bruin noted that the Soshanguve Block K centre had a notably larger operational space than many others she has visited, with dedicated group rooms and on-site security ensuring a safe and supportive environment for both staff and patients.

She also took the opportunity to encourage residents struggling with substance use to seek help.

“If you are struggling with substance abuse, please know that you are not alone, and your current situation does not define your future,” she said.

“Reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength, not weakness. There are resources, people, and communities ready to support your journey to recovery.”

De Bruin encouraged residents not to suffer in silence, but seek help.

She said she aims to ensure that Tshwane’s health facilities remain transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

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