Collapsing floorboards and badly cracked walls, which presented major occupational health and
safety risks for both staff and those being treated for substance use disorders at the South African
National Council on Alcoholism’s (SANCA) Inpatient Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Durban
are no longer a hazard, thanks to a donation of R1 420 000 total towards the total renovation and
uplitiment of the facility.
The centre, widely known as ‘Lulama’ (isiZulu for ‘recover’) has long provided specialised, accessible
and affordable treatment services for people with substance use disorders, enhancing their quality
of life and restoring their self-respect and dignity. It treats disorders such as alcohol, legal and illegal
substances and over-the-counter drugs, meeting the complex challenges of each individual’s needs
within a comprehensive 21-day programme.
With only a minimal subsidy received, insufficient to cover repairs, renovations and upgrades,
SANCA’s vital centre has fallen into a severe state of disrepair in recent years. But, no longer… the
South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently injected almost R1,5 million into the facility,
providing for capital renovations to the Inpatient Treatment And Rehabilitation Centre For Persons
With Substance Use Disorders, restoring it to fully functional status and transforming it into a facility
conducive to its client’s overall health and well-being.
Commenting on the facility’s transformation, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman, said: “The
flooring was definitely in need of total replacement, as many areas had caved in, posing a major
safety risk. Sealing and waterproofing, repairs to walls and ceilings were necessary, due to cracks
and sagging, while leaking roofs were also apparent.”
“SANCA undertakes critical work in the field of substance disorders and its expert, dedicated
professionals from medicine, nursing, social work, alcohol and substance abuse and nutrition have
displayed absolute professionalism in the face of the crumbling infrastructure, bringing a team
approach to the care and well-being of all those they serve, regardless of obvious safety concerns.
Likewise, SANCA’s clients deserve a comfortable environment for their mental, emotional and
physical well-being.”
Recognising its responsibility towards the overall well-being and care of its beneficiaries, SANCA was
intent on mitigating risk management factors. However, renovation costs proved well beyond the
financial means of the organisation. “Building maintenance is extremely expensive and the non-availability of capital funds simply prevented the organisation from undertaking such urgent repairs. To this end, the SAMCT was upon learning of SANCA’s plight – extremely pleased to be in the position to offer the necessary financial assistance,” said Mr Osman.
SANCA has during the past 65 years built an exceptional reputation as a most reliable service
provider in the field of substance use disorders. With demand for services growing, the organisation has expanded its footprint, now rendering its services in 16 Magisterial Districts in eThekwini North,
South and iLembe regions.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al
Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The
organisation provides funding, services and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the
vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable
assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work
to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation
and education.
“The renovation of the Centre, including tiling throughout, now provides a much more conducive
environment for the care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with substance use
Disorders, enabling SANCA’s dedicated team of staff to beter assist them to lead a meaningful and
dignified life, restoring their dignity and self-respect,” said Mr Osman.