Care facility of horrors haunts South Africa’s memory

Noupoort Christian Care Centre (NCCC) was a “rehabilitation facility” that closed in 2001 and then shut down again in 2004. After the deaths of several patients were reported, the Department of Social Development (DSD) ordered the private-run facility to close – additionally, the facility never had adequate paperwork to operate legally.

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Here’s more about one of the worst events in South Africa’s history and why it’s important that we don’t forget it happened.

Care facility of horrors haunts South Africa’s memory

“Noupoort” ran as a drug-and-alcohol rehabilitation centre with a Christian angle, advertised as a program where people could curb their addiction through a combination of faith and therapy.

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Unfortunately, the care facility was unregistered – and was first shut down by the SA Government in the year 2001 for operating illegally.

Upon investigation, the facility was found to use torture methods (including humiliation of patients and the use of dogs to induce fear).

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The facility was closed again in 2004.

Noupoort Christian Care Centre

A governmental investigation “related to the death of a child at the NCCC” culminated in a full report by government agencies, which ordered the House of Horrors to be shut down with immediate effect.

Unfortunately, the memory of what happened at Noupoort still haunts many who survived its brutal, unorthodox “care” program.

Care facilities and the law

Any rehabilitation centre or care facility has to be registered with the correct government departments, including the Department of Social Development (DSD) – and, sometimes, additionally, the Department of Health (DoH).

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Laws are clear, and unregistered facilities are not allowed to operate, but they often operate under areas of the law where people forget to check (or simply falsify their documents to appear authentic).

If you aren’t sure whether a facility is registered, contact the Department of Social Development here.

Report an unregistered facility here and here

An unregistered facility (operating as a registered and legal one) can be reported to the Department of Social Development (DSD) for investigation.

Other government departments, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Department of Health (DoH), must also investigate such reports – and forward them to the correct authorities.

Together, we can make a difference.

READ MORE ARTICLES BY FRANCOIS JANSEN (‘ALEX J’)