Department of Social Development has its funding cut

The Department of Social Development has had its funding to fight "the scourge of drugs" cut by 18% (R2949-million).

"Substance abuse is a massive problem in our country and any cut in funding is going to have a detrimental effect. This short-term cut will have a long-term impact," said Mike Waters, DA shadow deputy minister of social development.

The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) is one of the organisations which will be affected .

Cathy Vos, national coordinator of Sanca, said though the organisation was subsidised by government it was equally dependent on alternative funding.

Busi Mthali, social worker at the Sharp Treatment Centre, a private rehabilitation clinic in Pretoria, said one of the biggest challenges in dealing with substance abuse was a lack of resources.

"**Passion doesn't pay the bills.** There are not enough social workers to deal with the large caseloads," said Mthali.

She said in-patient programmes in disadvantaged communities suffered the most due to the lack of funding and resources.

Zane Wilson, founder of South African Depression and Anxiety Group, which is also funded by the department, said: "It is too early to say what the impact will be.

"Despite the budget cuts it is a patient's right to get treatment and we will push to get them treatment."
Wilson said **Nyaope was one of the biggest problem drugs at the moment.** 

Waters added: "It is time that the department did something about the drug crisis in South Africa."

The Department of Social Development could not be reached for comment. (From TimesLive)