The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has revealed alarming statistics about substance abuse, with children as young as six years old beginning to engage in harmful habits.
This disclosure came during investigative hearings convened by the Commission for Gender Equality in Durban, where the department was called to account for its handling of gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
Nelisiwe Vilakazi, head of the Department of Social Development, explained that due to the rising number of young individuals affected by substance abuse, they had to lower the admission age for child rehabilitation centers to as young as 13.
Nomthandazo Sithole, a representative from the Commission, highlighted several areas where the department’s efforts need improvement, including a lack of transparency in reporting, the insufficient availability of shelters in the province, and a shortage of resources for accommodating LGBTQA+ individuals.
“It’s crucial for the Department of Social Development to demonstrate a full understanding of its obligations and ensure its strategies and projects have a measurable impact,” Sithole emphasized.
The department is under increasing pressure to address these gaps and improve its response to both substance abuse and gender-based violence in the province.