International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The National Department of Social Development, in partnership with the provincial department, will be commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26 June 2018 in Kimberly, Northern Cape. The official commemoration was preceded by three days of dialogues in various communities in the Northern Cape where the Deputy Minister, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, engaged communities and the youth about the effects of substance abuse.
During the dialogues, members of the community and stakeholders - including the South African Police Service, were given the platform to discuss the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987.
The objectives of the day are to:
- Inform the public, particularly young people, about the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse
- Raise awareness about the consequences of drug trafficking as well as dangers associated with alcohol and drug abuse
- Provide information on the available resources and support systems within the host province
- Encourage communities to take action in combating alcohol and drug abuse
- Increase availability and accessibility of treatment services to the community of Northern Cape Province
Themed, “Listen First: Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe”, the commemoration event will be hosted by Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu and attended by members of the communities as well as dignitaries including Premier Sylvia Lucas and MEC Gift van Staden.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event scheduled as follows:
Date: 26 June 2018
Time: 9h00
Venue: Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, 10 W Circular Road, West End - Kimberley
To RSVP, contact:
Tebogo Mokae
Cell: 076 722 9412
Nomfundo Lentsoane
Cell: 066 480 6845
Gamiem Abrahams
Cell: 076 441 1300
Media enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
