How do you get someone committed into mental institution in South Africa?

You first ask their house doctor (GP) to come and assess them. If the housedoctor agrees that someone should be committed, they will ask the District Surgeon to come and examine the patient as well. If both of them believe that the patient should be committed, they will arrange it, and it may involve getting a permit from a Duty Magistrate. They will discuss transport with you and other practicalities. Being 'committed' is only in effect for a short time. It can be renewed if the patient does not make good progress. The patient is assessed regularly in hospital and the 'committment' order is lifted once the hospital is satisfied that the patient represents no danger to him/herself and the community. It is much better for the patient to go to hospital voluntarily, and they usually know that they need to be hospitallised, so it is better to try and win their co-operation rather than force them against their will. The process of getting someone certified or committed has damaging effects on human relationships. If the patient sees the doctors and nurses as gaolers, he is much less likely to work constructively with them. And the family members getting him committed will always be regarded with suspicion after that. Even so, it is sometimes necessary for patients to be committed, and if it has to be done, it has to be done. But it is best kept for a last resort.