Portfolio Committee on Social development holds stakeholder engagement session on drugs and substance abuse
Led by Chairperson, Honourable Thuliswa Nkabinde, the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development will convene its second Stakeholder Engagement Session on Drugs and Substance Abuse, following the success of the first one that was in Palm Springs on August 28th.
Themed, ‘Away From Drugs to Success’ the engagement session will address ongoing challenges such as the increase of drugs and substance abuse in spite of interventions by the Department of Social Development and its subsidised partners; including access to treatment and rehabilitation.
The Stakeholder Engagement Session is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: Saturday, 19th September 2015
Time: 10h30
Venue: International Assemblies of God Church, Mamelodi
The Committee adopted Drugs and Substance abuse as a Focus Intervention Study (FIS) topic, which emanated from the Committee’s priorities during the 2014/2015 financial year Budget Vote. The Committee resolved to consult with community members directly affected by the drug problem, who also receive assistance to deal with this scourge of substance abuse. This was aimed at ensuring that the Committee identifies the critical challenges that need to be addressed, with the objective of finding sustainable solutions. In August, the
Committee also conducted oversight visits to SANCA Nishatara in Lenasia; SANCA
Nishtara in Orange Farm; SANCA Phoenix House; SANCA Alexandra; and SANCA Midrand as part of the FIS.
The Committee invited all Mamelodi community members, particularly the youth, as well as other interested stakeholders to take part in the dialogue. Among the participants is also Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko, Ward Councillors as well as other interested organizations that include CANSA.
All members of the media are invited.
For more information or interview queries, please contact:
Ms Pfano Bulasigobo
TEl: 011 498 6381
Cell: 060 533 1982
E-mail: PBulasigobo@gpl.gov.za
