Substance abuse destroys lives and communities, undermines sustainable human development and leads to crime. Drugs affect everyone in all societies, either directly or indirectly. Local research has revealed many factors causing the abuse of drugs in South Africa. These factors include unemployment, low self-esteem, educational failure, boredom and physical, psychological and or family problems.
The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, No 70 of 2008, mandates the Department of Social Development to develop programmes and support initiatives aimed at the prevention of substance abuse.
As part of the programmes the Department of Social Development in the Northern Cape has implemented various programmes to fight the scourge of substance abuse.
The programmes currently in place are aimed at targeting the following to:
- Use supply reduction measures to curb the production, manufacturing and distribution of drugs, thereby promoting safe and drug free communities
- To reduce the demand for substances through prevention and early intervention programmes, with a view to discouraging the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and promoting healthy lifestyles
- To reduce the harm associated with substance abuse and to mitigate its health and psychosocial impact by providing holistic treatment services for affected individuals and families
We have also launched the Integrated Substance Abuse Strategy Prevention Strategy 2012 - 2017 in June 2012. The main aim of the strategy is to enhance efforts to combat substance abuse so as to build safer and healthy communities.
The week from the 22 – 27 June is also Drug Awareness and as part of creating awareness the Department of Social Development and partners engaged in various programmes throughout the province related to substance abuse with youth being our specific target audience of the Programmes which took place during the week was youth dialogues , door to doors , information sessions on Substance Abuse that took place in the areas of Louisvale , Riemvasmaak , Pabellelo and Morning Glory in the Z F Mgcawu District.
The province will also be hosting the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking on the 30 June 2014 at the Sports Ground in Kenhardt.
The media is hereby invited to the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking on the 30 June 2014 where the audience will be addressed by the MEC for Social Development Mr. Simon Sokatsha.
For any media enquiries please contact:
Lesego Pule
Cell: 072 358 7481
