Chairperson, the UCDP's approach to governance focuses on the decentralisation of power, and that is why we shall continue to support any Bill or law that affords other people the right to play a role as this Bill does. It is in this regard that the UCDP will support this Bill, because it gives power or even authority to the head of the department.
There is no doubt that legislation plays a massive role in trying to find solutions to institutional problems, thereby bettering our lives. This is why the White Paper led to notable strides in elevating mental health care to the primary health care setting, thereby making it more accessible. There are a number of issues, though, that remain a challenge and which the legislation will not necessarily address effectively and efficiently. These issues have had a huge impact and have limited progress in attaining effective mental health care.
A lack of trained professionals in the field and a lack of effective communication between primary health care centres and the district care centres are still issues that appear not to have been dealt with satisfactorily in this piece of legislation. Many mental health care facilities remain severely understaffed and underfunded, with high staff turnover linked to the conditions under which they have to work.
The increasing prevalence of mental illness in South Africa means that we need to look at ways of holistically addressing the issue, and channel the appropriate resources needed to execute an effective mental health care strategy. In many instances, the complete cure of a mental illness is attained gradually, and therefore the paucity of resources makes it difficult to succeed.
We cannot overlook the notion that the westernisation of African culture has an impact in terms of the increasing prevalence of mental illness. Research has found that only 6% of women in urban environments are free from the symptoms of a health disorder.
The growth of the industrial sector and urbanisation are undermining the social fabric of traditional society. And, in conclusion, it is unfortunate that most hospitals which cater for mental patients are in a terrible state of disrepair, and, as such, do not cheer up the inmates.
We hope, as the UCDP, that with the resources available and at the disposal of the department, the intended delegation of authority will also go with resources. The UCDP will support the Bill.