POLOKWANE – The Department of Social Development is pleading with the parents of children who are struggling with drug addiction to consider using the Seshego Treatment Centre for rehabilitation.

The plea has also been extended to individuals who are addicted and want to rid themselves of their addiction.

The Seshego Treatment Centre is situated adjacent to the Seshego Hospital and is an entity of the department whose objective is to rehabilitate individuals addicted to drugs.

The department’s media liaison officer Joshua Kwapa said those in need must consult their nearest social worker to kick-start the referral process.

“The centre currently has 34 patients admitted which equates to a 62% occupancy rate. There are 32 males and two females bur the centre has an occupation capacity of 54 people and is yet to be used to its maximum,” his statement read.

The Social Development MEC Nandi Ndalane has made an impassioned plea to people who are struggling with substane abuse, eighteen years and above to consider admitting to the centre that is well resourced to help with rehabilitation and the services are free of charge.

“This is a public entity and has thus far not been used to its capacity. This is a sad reality considering that substance abuse is rooted in our communities and affects both young men and women,” Ndalane said.

She added that substance abuse in young women is a growing concern, however, the number of those who come forward to seek help is low to non-existent.

“We therefore encourage parents to encourage their young daughters struggling with substance abuse to use the facility.”

The department said they envision a drug free society and will therefore invest in making sure people get the help they need.