South Africa has a network of government-funded and subsidised rehabilitation centres that provide addiction treatment at reduced or no cost. This page lists confirmed facilities by province, along with national helplines and referral services available regardless of where you are in the country.
Facilities are listed by province, starting with Gauteng and the Western Cape where the greatest concentration of options exists, followed by the remaining provinces.
Two things to know before you contact a centre: most state-funded inpatient facilities require a referral from a registered social worker before you can be admitted, and many have waiting lists. The national helplines below can help you navigate both. If you have medical aid or are exploring private treatment, Houghton House’s admissions team is available around the clock: 011 787 9142.
Note: We do our best to keep this information current, but contact details and services can change. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip.
National helplines and referral services
These services operate across South Africa and can connect you with treatment options and referrals near you.
DSD substance abuse helpline
The Department of Social Development runs a free, 24-hour substance abuse helpline in partnership with SADAG (the South African Anxiety and Depression Group). Trained counsellors offer confidential support, referrals to local treatment services, and crisis intervention, in all 11 official languages.
- Phone: 0800 12 13 14 (free call)
- SMS/Text: 32312
- Website: https://www.sadag.org/
Ke Moja WhatsApp helpline
Ke Moja is a free substance abuse counselling and referral service run by SADAG and the DSD via WhatsApp. Counsellors are available in all 11 official languages and can direct you to treatment services in your area.
- WhatsApp: 087 163 2025
- Hours: 08:00 to 17:00, seven days a week
National suicide crisis line
A free, 24-hour crisis line for anyone in acute distress, available in all 11 official languages.
- Phone: 0800 567 567 (free to call)
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA offers peer support for people dealing with alcohol dependence, along with a 24-hour helpline and in-person and online meetings across South Africa.
- Phone: 0861 435 722 (24 hours)
- WhatsApp: 073 021 2523
- Email: gso@aasouthafrica.org.za
- Find an AA meeting near you
Narcotics Anonymous
NA provides peer support meetings for people affected by drug dependence, with in-person and online meetings across South Africa.
- Phone: 086 100 6962
- In-person NA meetings
- Online NA meetings
- WhatsApp (Johannesburg): 082 899 8816
- WhatsApp (Western Cape, line 1): 063 744 7049
- WhatsApp (Western Cape, line 2): 066 371 5196
Gauteng
Gauteng has the most concentrated network of rehabilitation facilities in the country. The listings below include both state-funded centres (which require a social worker referral) and subsidised NPO programmes that generally accept patients directly, subject to availability.
Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, Tshwane
The largest state-funded residential substance abuse treatment centre in Gauteng, located at Zonderwater outside Cullinan. The facility recently completed a period of refurbishment and reopened in June 2026. State-funded — a referral from a registered social worker is required for admission.
- Phone: 012 734 8300 / 012 734 8326
- Address: Zonderwater Road, Cullinan, Tshwane
iThemba Clinic, Krugersdorp
iThemba Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Clinic is a free in-patient treatment clinic based in Krugersdorp within Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital. State-funded — a referral from a registered social worker is required for admission.
- Phone: 011 956 2292
- Website: https://www.ithembaclinic.co.za/
- Address: Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, Ward 10, Van Riebeeck Road, Sterkfontein, Krugersdorp, 1739
SANCA Horizon Centre, Boksburg
SANCA’s Horizon Centre offers residential and outpatient treatment for adults, and runs an adolescent-specific programme called BRIDGE for teenagers aged 14 to 18. BRIDGE includes a six-week inpatient option and a ten-week outpatient option, with adolescents treated separately from the adult programme. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 011 917 5015
- Email: info@horizonclinic.org
- Website: www.horizonclinic.info
- Address: 17 North Street, Plantation, Boksburg
Elim Clinic, Kempton Park
Elim Clinic offers inpatient and outpatient treatment for adults dealing with substance use and behavioural addictions, along with aftercare and a dedicated youth programme for people under 18. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 011 975 2951
- WhatsApp: 071 750 6465
- Email: info@elimclin.co.za
- Address: 133 Plane Road, Spartan, Kempton Park
House of Mercy, Boksburg
House of Mercy is a state-subsidised Catholic residential rehabilitation centre focused on serving people with limited financial means. Based in Ravenswood, Boksburg, it provides intensive residential treatment for adults 18 and older, including medical detox, alcohol and drug recovery programmes, and an eight-week aftercare programme. The centre accepts both men and women. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 011 894 4050 / 011 894 4052
- Email: velma@execmail.co.za
- Website: www.houseofmercy.co.za
- Address: 35 Olivia Road, Ravenswood, Boksburg
Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre, Johannesburg
Wedge Gardens is a SANCA-affiliated residential rehabilitation centre for men, operated by Rand Aid. The centre accommodates patients on reduced incomes, including those relying on government grants, and Rand Aid runs an adjoining halfway house with space for up to 20 men. Men only. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 010 534 6596 / 011 430 0320
- Email: wedgegardens@randaid.co.za
- Website: www.wedgegardens.co.za
- Address: 2 Whitney Road, Whitney Gardens, Johannesburg
SANCA Nishtara, Lenasia
SANCA Nishtara provides inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment for communities in the south of Johannesburg. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 011 850 1123 / 011 854 5988
- Address: 8283 Capella Street, Lenasia Extension 9, Johannesburg
Western Cape
Kensington Treatment Centre, Maitland
A state-funded inpatient treatment facility in Maitland, Cape Town, currently admitting children only. State-funded — a referral from a social worker or doctor is required for admission.
- Phone: 021 511 9169 / 021 510 1735 / 021 826 6026
- Email: russel.kinnear@westerncape.gov.za
- Address: 85 6th Avenue, Kensington, Maitland, Cape Town
Stikland Psychiatric Hospital, Bellville
Stikland is a public psychiatric hospital in Bellville with a dedicated detoxification unit for alcohol and substance dependence and inpatient rehabilitation services. State-funded — referral required.
- Phone: 021 940 4400 / 021 940 4496
- Alcohol and drug rehab unit direct line: 021 940 4429
- Email: slh.ward13@westerncape.gov.za
- Address: 75 De La Haye Road, Bellville
Hesketh King Treatment Centre, Muldersvlei
Operated by the Salvation Army, Hesketh King is a residential rehabilitation centre for men aged 21 and older. The centre accepts patients across income levels, including those with medical aid, private patients, and those without the means to cover fees. Subsidised — costs vary by income.
- Phone: 021 884 4600
- Email: hking@mweb.co.za
- Website: www.hesketh.org.za
- Address: Corner Old Paarl and Klipheuwel Roads, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Ramot Treatment Centre, Parow
A private residential rehabilitation centre in Parow, Cape Town. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 021 939 2033
- Website: https://ramot.global/
- Address: 54 Toner Street, Parow East, 7500
Toevlug Treatment Centre, Worcester
Toevlug offers a residential treatment programme for adults (men and women) and a separate adolescent programme for male patients aged 13 to 17. The Department of Social Development subsidises a limited number of places for unemployed and financially marginalised patients in the Western Cape.
Applicants for subsidised treatment need to submit a motivational letter with their application. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 023 342 1162 / 023 342 1163
- Email: opname@toevlug.org
- Website: www.toevlug.org
- Address: 40 Noble Street, Riverview, Worcester, 6850
Saartjie Baartman Women’s Centre, Athlone
The Saartjie Baartman Centre is primarily an emergency shelter for women and children who have experienced abuse or violence, based in Athlone, Cape Town. Within its residential programme, the centre operates a dedicated ten-bed Substance Unit for women dealing with addiction, offering counselling, detoxification support, and relapse prevention. Women only.
- Address: Klipfontein Road, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764
- Phone: 021 633 1253 (24 hours)
- WhatsApp: 076 470 9314
- Website: www.saartjiebaartmancentre.org.za
- Address: Klipfontein Road, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764
KwaZulu-Natal
Newlands Park Centre, Durban
A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in Newlands West, Durban. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 031 578 3992
- Address: 1 Homedale Place, Briardale, Newlands West, Durban
Madadeni Rehabilitation Centre, Newcastle
A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in the Madadeni Township outside Newcastle. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 034 329 2011
- Address: E9309 Section 5, Madadeni, Newcastle
Khanyani Treatment Centre, Newcastle
A state-funded inpatient treatment centre in the Amajuba Municipality, Newcastle. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 034 317 3802
- Address: 113 Panorama Drive, Newcastle
SANCA Durban
SANCA Durban provides residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment in Berea, central Durban. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
- Phone: 031 202 2274 / 031 202 2241 / 071 838 4626
- Email: info@sancadbn.org.za
- Address: Lulama Treatment Centre, 185 Vause Road, Berea, Durban, 4001
Eastern Cape
Ernest Malgas Treatment Centre, Gqeberha
Ernest Malgas is a state-funded residential treatment facility for young people aged 13 to 18, based in New Brighton, Gqeberha. It offers a nine-week residential programme using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and is the only facility of its kind in the Eastern Cape. Admission is at no cost and requires a referral from a social worker.
- Phone: 041 454 0058 / 076 922 1885
- Address: Singapi Street, New Brighton, Gqeberha, 6200
SANCA East London
SANCA East London offers inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment in Southernwood, East London, with 22 beds. Subsidised — fees are means-tested.
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- Phone: 043 722 1210
- Email: admin@sancaec.co.za
- Website: https://www.sancacec.co.za/
- Address: 22 St Marks Road, Southernwood, KuGompo City, 5201
Thembelitsha rehabilitation centre, Umtata
Thembelitsha rehabilitation centre is a registered non-profit organisation for alcohol and substance abuse based in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality and serving the district of O. R. Tambo municipality as well. It offers outpatient addiction treatment and possibly inpatient as well, per the facility’s Facebook page.
- Phone: 066 509 2485
- Email: thembelitsharehab@gmail.com
- Address: 150 Sutherland Street, Fort Gale, Mthatha, 5100
Koinonia Recovery Centre, East London
Koinonia Recovery Centre is a faith-based substance abuse treatment facility that provides long-term (3-12 months) inpatient rehabilitation in East London.
- Phone: 071 830 1312
- Email: help@koinoniarehab.co.za
- Website: https://www.koinoniarehab.co.za/admissions
- Address: Farm 1482, Nahoon Dam, KuGompo City, 5219
Mpumalanga
Swartfontein Treatment Centre, White River
A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in White River. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 013 750 9918 / 013 750 9916
- Address: R40 Hazyview Road, White River, 1240
Nkangala Rehabilitation Centre, Delmas
A state-funded inpatient treatment centre in the Nkangala District, near Delmas. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 013 665 0620
- Address: Blesfontein Farm, Nkangala District, near Delmas
Free State
Botshabelo Treatment Centre, Botshabelo
A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre at Botshabelo District Hospital, outside Bloemfontein. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 051 533 0815 / 051 533 0800
- Address: Botshabelo Hospital Road, Botshabelo, Mangaung
Beyers Naude Halfway House, Clarens
A state-funded halfway house providing transitional residential support for people completing inpatient treatment, based near Clarens in the eastern Free State. State-funded — referral required.
- Phone: 066 486 6906 / 066 487 6160
- Address: Schaaplaats Road, Plot 0890, Petrusdale, Clarens
Northern Cape
Northern Cape Substance Dependency Treatment Centre, Kimberley
The primary state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in the Northern Cape, located on the R31 outside Kimberley. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 053 802 3300 / 053 874 9103
- Address: Plot 42654, R31 National Road, Kimberley
North West Province
JB Marks Treatment Centre, Potchefstroom
A state-funded inpatient treatment centre on the grounds of Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in Potchefstroom. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 018 294 5134 / 018 294 9100
- Address: Witrand Hospital, Deppe Street, Dassierand, Potchefstroom
Taung Treatment Centre, Taung
A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre at Taung Hospital. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 053 994 1379 / 053 994 8100
- Address: Taung Hospital, Magistrate Road, Taung
Limpopo
Seshego Treatment Centre, Seshego
The primary state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in Limpopo, based in Seshego near Polokwane. State-funded — referral from a social worker required.
- Phone: 015 233 7016 / 015 233 7017
- Address: Corner Nelson Mandela Drive and Bookelo Street, Seshego
If private treatment is an option
Private rehabilitation centres are typically able to offer a higher level of clinical support, including on-site medical and psychiatric staff, individual treatment plans, and more intensive programmes. Many are covered by medical aid. Substance use disorders are prescribed minimum benefits in South Africa, which means all registered medical aids are legally required to cover addiction treatment.
If you have medical aid and aren’t sure what you’re entitled to, Houghton House’s admissions team can check your benefits and handle pre-authorisation on your behalf. As a fully licensed psychiatric hospital, Houghton House can also claim for psychiatric services where a co-occurring condition qualifies under PMBs.
- Phone: 011 787 9142 (24 hours)
- WhatsApp: 079 770 7532
- Email: info@houghtonhouse.co.za
Frequently asked questions
What is the admission process for a state-funded rehabilitation centre?
Getting into a state-funded inpatient centre involves several steps, and the process can take time.
- Step 1: Visit your nearest Department of Social Development office or a community-based service such as SANCA to be assessed by a registered social worker.
- Step 2: The social worker conducts a formal screening to determine the level of care needed — outpatient or inpatient.
- Step 3: For inpatient placement, you will need a medical clearance report from a public clinic, confirming you are physically ready for treatment and screening for any underlying conditions.
- Step 4: The social worker submits your file to the regional DSD panel to secure an available bed at a suitable facility.
If you are not sure where to start, the DSD Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14) can walk you through the process and point you to the nearest social worker.
We’re continuing to add subsidised and community-based services across all provinces. If you know of a facility or programme that should be listed here, contact us at info@houghtonhouse.co.za.
Are government rehabilitation centres free?
Most government-funded and subsidised centres charge a nominal fee rather than offering treatment at no cost, but fees are significantly lower than private facilities. Some centres use a sliding scale based on income, and in certain cases treatment may cost nothing for those who qualify. Contact the facility directly, or call the DSD Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 121 314 to find out what applies in your situation.
What is SANCA and what does it cost?
SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) is a national non-profit that operates treatment centres across most provinces. Fees vary by centre and are generally subsidised, making SANCA one of the more accessible options for people without medical aid. Contact your nearest SANCA centre directly for current fees.
What is the difference between a government rehab and a private rehab?
Government-funded and subsidised centres offer essential care at reduced cost but typically have longer waiting lists, larger group sizes, and fewer clinical resources than private facilities. Private rehabilitation centres offer on-site medical and psychiatric staff, individual treatment plans, and a more intensive level of care — and are often covered by medical aid. Which option is right depends on the level of support needed and what’s financially accessible.
How do I get admitted to a subsidised rehabilitation centre?
The process varies by facility. Some accept direct applications; others require a referral from a social worker or the Department of Social Development. The DSD Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 121 314) can guide you through the referral process and help confirm availability near you.
Does medical aid cover rehabilitation?
Yes. Substance use disorders are prescribed minimum benefits in South Africa, meaning all registered medical aids are legally required to cover addiction treatment. If you have medical aid, contact your scheme directly or speak to Houghton House’s admissions team. We can check your specific benefits and handle pre-authorisation on your behalf.
Where can I get help right now?
Call the DSD Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 121 314 (free, available 24/7), SMS 32312, or WhatsApp 087 163 2025 (available 08:00 to 17:00, seven days a week) for help in all 11 official South African languages. Whether you need counselling, help locating a substance abuse treatment facility near you, or getting in touch with a social worker for a referral, these helplines exist to get you the help you need, no matter your income level.
If you’re considering private treatment or have medical aid, Houghton House’s admissions line is also open 24 hours: 011 787 9142.
Does Houghton House treat minors?
No. Houghton House provides treatment for adults only. For adolescents under 18, Elim Clinic in Kempton Park offers a dedicated youth programme, and Netcare Akeso runs adolescent psychiatric and addiction programmes at several of its facilities nationally (crisis line: 0861 435 787, available 24 hours).
Know of a rehab facility or resource we should include here?
We’re continuing to add subsidised and community-based services across all provinces. If you know of a facility or programme that should be listed here, contact us at info@houghtonhouse.co.za.
