Up until 4 years ago substance abuse rehabilitation was an unheard concept in many impoverished communities.

In many cases the only forms of intervention were embodied by concerned community and neighborhood watch members. They would patrol the streets and monitor any suspicious behavior. At this time a formal rehabilitation program was not put in place and affected members of the public did not receive the necessary psychological attention needed to curb drug usage. It was during these deprived years that perhaps the minimum level of intervention was offered.

Shafiek Davids, a Mureed of Sheikh started counseling addicted teenagers at home. This carried on for a number of months until he read an article on the need for empirical-based research by Bronwyn Meyers. He eventually came upon the realization, through Sheikh's guidance and assistance, that a bigger and more specialised premises was needed. Thus, the concept of the Sultan Bahu Drug Rehabilitation was born.

The centre has been in existence for nearly 4 years, opening its doors in 2005. It has thus far attended to 2096 patients, most who are unemployed and below the age of 30 years. When the centre came into being, government and the relevant departments were not approached to aid in the necessary processes required; rather the Sultan Bahu Centre in JHB financed the purchase of the physical property and ensured it was conducive to services rendered.

Initially the cost of the program was quite manageable due to the fact that hardly any professional personnel were required. Rather the program was carried out by lay counselors with no tertiary qualifications and one registered social worker. This situation has carried itself out up till the beginning of 2007 at which point the treatment facility employed the services of accredited registered counselors.

During the course of its existence, Sultan Bahu has always propagated a clear and set rationale; to aid individuals in need. This rationale is in itself quite challenging due to the fact that service delivery cost are constantly on the rise. Rather than change or modify our modus operandi the organization has to look at alternative funding ventures or the extension of already available funding from the government sector.