Address by the member of the Executive Council For Social Development Ms. Nandi Mayathula-Khoza on the occasion of the for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Garankuwa
Programme Director Pastor Sedibe
Cllr Joel Sindane
Cllr Tshepo Motaung Ddg: Kabasia
Mr Botlhale Phora Daniel Ntlatleng Thabang Shipalane Suzan Ncala Gomolemo Kgosana Mr Botlhale Phora Mr Kabelo Mabalane
Mr James Masha and Mr Lucas Moemisi Ms Karabo Kolokoto
Representative of Sanca Pretoria /Soshanguve Leaders of the Local Drug Action Committee FBOs, NPOs;
Let me express my profound gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this very important event. I am grateful to the local leadership, all stakeholders and role players and the community of Tshwane in particular the people of Mabopane and Ga-Rankuwa for making this observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking possible.
As we mark the 30th commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we join the world in the collective effort to save humanity form itself. In 1987 the United Nations General Assembly took a decision to observe this day as an expression of commitment by communities of the world to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects themes for the International Day and launches campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. Health has been designated the on-going theme of the world drug campaign. This theme is especially telling to us as we battle the senseless and extremely health hazard of the so-called 'Bluetooth' phenomenon which is especially rife in townships of Mabopane, Soshanguve.
It is sad indeed that, during the month of June, a period when we commemorate the heroics of the youth of 1976, celebrate the month dedicated to young people; we must also face the reality that the majority of our young people are ravaged by drugs. It is befitting therefore, I believe, that we should join the world today to observe a day that deals with the biggest threat facing the young people in South Africa.
Research indicates that social costs of alcohol related trauma and accidents far exceed those of other countries and that intoxication is a major factor in road accidents. According to the South African Revenue Service the known direct cost of drug abuse in 2005 was roughly R1 billion. The social cost of illicit drug use was calculated using international data and is approximately R1, 4 billion annually. More than 8.4 per cent (2.2 million) of the South African population used cannabis in 2004 as against the global norm of 4 per cent; 8.9 per cent (2.5 million) used cannabis in 2005/6 and 3.2 million used in 2008, an increase of nearly 20 per cent.
The South African government and its partners are implementing the National Drug Master Plan, 2013-2017, which is a collective effort towards a South Africa that is free of drug abuse. The drug master plan is a single document covering all national concerns regarding drug control; summarising national
policies authoritatively, and defining priorities and allocating responsibility for drug control efforts (United Nations Drug Control Programme). The National Drug Master Plan prioritises strategies on demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.
Gauteng government in Mabopane
Programme Director, we are here today because we are intensifying our close relations with the community in dealing with this challenge. Today is a culmination of the door to door campaign we have done in partnership with the City of Tshwane, Members of the Local Drug Action Committees (LDACs) and Community Development Workers. We spoke to people in 542 households: (285 in Soshanguve and 257 in Mabopane).
We did all this work to ensure that we share information on services available to substance abusers and their families, gather data on community views on causes of substance abuse, address challenges on how they can educate them on dangers of substance abuse and provide them with available options for treatment.
As we speak to service users, we found that most of them were sent to rehabilitation centres previously, but they did not complete the treatment programmes as they were not ready and adequately prepared. The service users indulge in substance abuse due to high rates of unemployment more especially amongst the youth.
They indicated that they have been approached by many stakeholders requesting their names and promising them assistance but to no avail. As such they wanted to remain anonymous. Service users complained that they were previously taken to illegal treatment centres that are not registered and detained without food and proper psychosocial and medical care.
There are perceptions of long waiting lists at registered treatment centres and that police officers are involved in dealing in drugs. There are strong feelings and views that the supply of drugs in communities must be addressed as a matter of urgency by the relevant law enforcement agencies.
Most of them told us that government was not addressing root causes of their problems as drug dealers and peddlers are roaming the streets. They go to treatment centres and come back to the same environment infiltrated by suppliers of drugs. The communities emphasized the importance of all government Departments working together in addressing the challenge of substance abuse.
To us as government, this suggests that after care services must be emphasised especially those who are currently rehabilitated. We also note the lack of recreational facilities in the community because this leads to idleness, deviant behaviour such as stealing and usage of substances.
What you can do
Government calls on all South Africans to join hands in the implementation of the national programme of action against substance and alcohol abuse.
- Community support is extremely important to prevent, treat, rehabilitate and accept those addicted to substances. Help break the stigma and promote faster recovery.
- Be a good role model and empower young people to deal with life challenges to buffer substance abuse.
- Be a messenger - provide factual information on the negative socio- economic effects of substance abuse to bring about behavioural changes.
- The carnage on South Africa’s roads can be reduced drastically if adults drink responsibly.
- Don’t drink and drive - Arrive Alive!
- Celebrate year end festivities soberly and responsibly: Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare.
- Say NO to drugs.
- Partner with government volunteer and support rehabilitation programmes to increase access to information for affected individuals and communities.
In conclusion, let me acknowledge everyone present here and the role you have and can play in the fight against drugs. I urge all of us to continue to work
together, forge links with all stakeholders by exploiting opportunities for coordination, collaboration and integration of or services.
One thing is for sure; the Gauteng Department of Social Development will be with you all the way. We will continue to work with all other stakeholders to intensify service delivery and interventions as we have done here in Tshwane.
Thanks!
