Matroosfontein man runs 15km daily to advocate for affordable addiction rehabilitation
In a bid to raise awareness, Bertram Macmahon runs 15km daily for 15 days, calling for more government-funded rehabilitation centres for addiction support.
Image: Supplied
A Mastroosfontein man on Wednesday completed his mission to run 15km each day for 15 days, calling on the government to provide more accessible rehabilitation services in Cape Town
Bertram Macmahon said the initiative started on March 13 after he reached out to the Department of Social Development (DSD), urging them to implement more government-funded rehabilitation centres.
He explained: “My mom has an NGO [Bernie’s Rising Angels] where she takes care of kids whose parents are on drugs, and in doing this, I have seen something missing.
“We are taking the kids away from their parents, but no one assists these parents [with the drug problem] because they have no funding.
“We have also noticed that the majority of the people on the streets do not have a lot of money for rehab nor [do they have] government assistance. “And sadly, this increases crime and poverty as the homeless then become squatters.
“This, then, in turn, affects businesses, so this plays a major role in our society.
“There are many parents and people who cannot afford to pay for rehabilitation when it comes to addiction, then what happens is that these people just go back to drugs, because they can’t find help anywhere, because rehab institutions cost a lot of money.”
Macmahon said that each day he runs from his home to Pinelands and back at around 4pm, using the challenge to raise awareness about the lack of accessible support for those struggling with addiction.
He said he hopes these centres can be built in Elsies River, Mitchells Plain, Blue Downs, Khayelitsha, and Kraaifontein.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt, meanwhile, said the department currently funds five inpatient treatment centres across the province, providing 668 beds, along with 30 community-based service sites.
Londt explained: “Currently, the Western Cape Department of Social Development funds five inpatient treatment centres across the province, providing a total of 668 bed spaces annually, as well as 30 community-based service sites to support those in need.”
Londt noted that admission into these facilities is guided by specific criteria to ensure appropriate placement and care, and that the system is monitored to manage demand and access.
He explained: “All treatment centres follow specific admission criteria to ensure appropriate placement and care, and the process is fair and non-discriminatory for individuals who meet the requirements.”
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
On expansion, Londt said the department continues to strengthen existing programmes, but any increase in facilities depends on available funding through the budget process, adding: “Expansion is always considered, however it depends on the availability of funding through the budget process.”
He added that the department works with non-profit organisations and private facilities to improve access for low-income individuals, saying: “We partner with and subsidise non-profit organisations, including private inpatient facilities and community-based programmes, to improve access to substance abuse services for low-income individuals.”
Despite these efforts, Macmahon believes more needs to be done, particularly for those who fall through the cracks due to cost and limited space.
His daily run, he says, is not just a personal challenge, but a call for urgent change in communities where addiction continues to take its toll.
Those seeking free or subsidised inpatient rehabilitation services can approach De Novo Treatment Centre in Kraaifontein, the Stikland Hospital Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit in Bellville, Hesketh King Salvation Army in Paarl, Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Athlone and Keep the Dream in Lutzville.