The National Drug Master Plan (2013-2017), approved by Cabinet on 26 June 2013, is to be implemented with immediate effect by the Central Drug Authority (CDA). The CDA was established as an advisory body in terms of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (Act No. 70 of 2008) and is mandated to assist in the fight against substance abuse in the country.
The Master Plan serves as the country’s blueprint for preventing and reducing alcohol and substance abuse and its associated social and economic consequences on South African society, and builds on the foundation laid down by government's Programme of Action on alcohol and substance abuse.
It got the green light from Cabinet during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated on 26 June, and reiterates government’s commitment to tackling the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse and the promotion of a drug-free South Africa. It places emphasis on four pillars: prevention, early intervention, treatment, after care and reintegration.
The CDA will use the National Drug Master Plan to drive alcohol control legislation to promulgation in order to save lives and reduce the incidence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
More than 6 000 people, many of them children, die on our roads because of alcohol every year. The CDA has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on drinking and driving and wants to see the blood alcohol level while driving reduced to zero. Add to the calamity of road deaths the fact that South Africa has an incidence of between 8 and 12% for FAS.
South Africa had the highest reported incidence of FAS in the world. FAS is 30 to 50 times more common than Down Syndrome1 and demands that strong action be taken. FAS cannot be cured. The damage done to the unborn child by a mother drinking during pregnancy is irreversible and permanent. FAS is one of the leading known preventable causes of mental retardation and defects and the CDA is determined to take strong action to reduce the incidence of FAS.
The CDA wants large meaningful and appropriate health warnings on all alcohol products which, with the other measures proposed in draft legislation, will lead to the reduction of demand for the addictive products. Mr Mogotsi Kalaeamodimo Chairman of the CDA said, “The CDA will continue to work towards reducing the demand for, supply of and harm caused by drugs, alcohol and tobacco.”
Enquiries:
Mogotsi Kalaeamodimo: Chair, CDA
Tel: 012 312 7448
Cell: 082 784 4950
David Bayever: Deputy Chair, CDA
Tel: 011 717 2168
Cell: 083 586 1953
Peter Ucko: Chair Marketing and Communication, CDA
Cell: 082 454 9889
