Handover of newly renovated admin block for SANCA

Addressing dignitories and guests at the handover event of South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), Mr Vivian Reddy, Chairman of Sibaya Casino and Sibaya Community Trust said that alcohol and drug addiction is by far the most brutal disorder for it not only effects the substance user, but the impact is detrimental on spouses, children, parents and extended families. 

It is the number one cause of Gender Based Violence globally. Peaceful, loving homes can be divided by the strain caused by drug and alcohol abuse resulting in the breakdown of a happy family with communication becoming violent leading to domestic violence.

He added, he is saddened that children, our future leaders, have to endure such trauma, firstly to see a parent suffering addiction and to grow up in emotional distress, which can lead to mental disorders. 

"Today, I am proud to stand here at SANCA and give them all due praise for the extensive work they have been doing in the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug dependency. They have been doing this for over 65 years, and their credibility and successes must be commended,” he added. 

It is heartening to note the many services offered by SANCA to rehabilitate addicts. 

As society, we should have the “HEART” to save people from destructing themselves, thus we at Sibaya Community Trust have invested R800,000 to renovate the administration block which accommodates the people who are responsible for rendering an effective service delivery to their beneficiaries thereby enhancing and restoring dignity.

Sibaya Community Trust has always been at the forefront of social upliftment with a large portfolio of evidence in assistance to over 120 charity organizations with a spend of over R230 million to impact the lives of the challenged, less fortunate and vulnerable in our society. We have invested in legacy projects in infrastructure, health, education and much more.  

“Over the last few months, we have been busy handing over many completed projects, including the hand over a skills centre built for children with Autism end April 2022. We dedicated the project to a child from the school who lost his life in the recent KZN floods when the home collapsed,” he added. 

Jack Daya, Chairperson of the Governing Board of SANCA Durban expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Chairman and the Trustees of the Sibaya Community Trust for their generous contribution and commitment in improving the lives of substance abusers. 

Substance abuse are the two most destructive elements eroding the foundation of society in South Africa. Today it has a major impact on the families and community at large resulting in a number of psychological and social ills, Daya said.

The Organization has been at the forefront of combating alcoholism and drug dependence through effective prevention and treatment programmes for the last 65 years. The Organization has made great strides in terms of growth and development, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we have remained relevant throughout the changing, and ever-increasing demands of the communities we serve.

SANCA Durban has its footprint in 12 magisterial districts in the ethekwini North and South regions. There has been a significant migration of our services from urban communities to those that have been seriously disadvantaged and under resourced, he said.

The Organization offers services at three levels, the In-Patient Treatment Centre which is fondly referred to as “Lulama”, The Out-Patient Treatment Programme and Community based services focusing on community development and Prevention services.

It has been an extremely difficult financial year for the South African economy in general and especially the NPO sector. The strain from the covid pandemic has been immense and has impacted negatively on the Organization during the past year. However there has been an increasing demand for our services. 

The Organization is subsidized by the Department of Social Development, but the subsidy received equates to only 24% of our revenue which is utilized for operational costs and care of our beneficiaries.  The subsidy received is minimal and does not cover our basic services of a patient, which means we have to source funds to be able to render our services and run the organization.

Thus, we have sought to donor funding for the general renovations, repairs and structural upgrading of our historic buildings. We are currently looking to create a separate visitors arrival area for the incoming patients and family visiting them, he said. 

The upgrade of the Administration building was achievable and made possible by the unwavering support from the Sibaya Community Trust for their allocation of R800,000 towards the upgrade of the Admin Building.

A very tearful recovering addict, who has been sober for 5 years now, Sifiso Mvubu addressed the guests saying that he is an alcoholic and an addict.  SANCA gave him a new lease in life, when he felt unwanted and there was no hope for a better future. SANCA gave him dignity and a home where he could recover. 

Mvubu extended his gratitude to the Sibaya Community Trust for the renovation as it will improve the wellbeing of the beneficiaries. He said that we alcoholics affect 16 or more people, Mum, Dad, wife, kids, employer, etc. SANCA has been life saving for me he added, it is through the SANCA Treatment programme and aftercare services that assisted me to be a better person and for that I am forever indebted to SANCA and to those who have come on board and donated to SANCA to make it a living reality for us.