Alcohol advertising is regulated by the Liquor Act, 2003 (Act 59 of 2003) which outlines the guidelines for liquor advertising. The alcohol industry is self-regulated by the Code of Commercial Communication of Alcohol Beverages, something to which most companies and advertisers adhere.
The Central Drug Authority Board developed regulations for the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act of 2008.
The Act complements both the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) (2013 – 2017) and the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme.
The Act provides for a comprehensive national response for combating substance abuse in South Africa through:
- mechanisms aimed at reducing demand and harm in relation to substance abuse through prevention, early intervention, treatment and reintegration programmes registration and establishment of treatment centres and halfway houses
- the committal of persons to and from treatment centres and for their treatment.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Combating Alcohol and Substance Abuse, is to coordinate government’s collective national efforts, including prevention, community mobilisation, treatment and law enforcement, among others.
Progressive policy decisions have emanated from the IMC plan of action, such as the removal of liquor outlets from residential areas and near places of worship and schools, restrictions on operating times and on the location and content of advertising related to alcohol, and a reduction of the current legal alcohol limit for drivers.
In its efforts to reduce incidents of GBV which are often caused by abuse of alcohol and drugs, the DSD has launched GBV Command Centre (GBVCC) – a 24-hour call centre.
The GBVCC provides support and counselling to victims of GBV. Victims of GBV are encouraged to contact 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV), a toll free number to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling. Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone. A Skype line for members of the deaf community also exists. To utilise the facility, victims should add ‘Helpme GBV’ to their Skype contacts. An SMS-based line for people with disabiliy also exists. Users are required to SMS ‘help’ to 31531.
The DSD had commissioned a review of the Ke Moja Drug Awareness Campaign to ascertain its effectiveness and strengthen dissemination of information tools.
One of the common drugs, Tik, is sold as a combination of amphetamines and talcum powder, baking powder, starch, glucose or quinine. The drug changes users’ behaviour and some symptoms associated with usage of its usage and addiction range from loss of appetite, weight loss, aggression, anxiety, headaches as well as change in dress code.
Health professionals are also concerned about the devastating effects of this drug on the user which among its many effects induces psychotic symptoms, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, and violence, making it a far more dangerous drug than most other drugs available in South Africa.
Government departments are collaborating with other sectors of society to implement the NDMP to respond to the scourge of drugs and substance abuse.
The Central Drug Authority is charged with the responsibility to develop and implement a coordinated approach encompassing supply control and demand reduction progress. Provincial substance abuse forums have been established as well as local drug action committees which consists of social workers, teachers, justice and committee representatives.
The UN General Assembly, in its resolutions 42/112 of December 1987, declared 26 June as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
