Following a massive door to door “substance abuse prevention” campaign last month as part of Social Development Month, the North West MEC for Health and Social Development, Rebecca Kasienyane will lead a two day substance abuse summit. The summit which will be attended by South Africa Police Service (SAPS), Liquor Board, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development aims to map innovative ways that can be used to intensify programmes of prevention. The summit will run from 11 to 12 November at Groot Marico Community hall near Zeerust.
Statistics have indicated that the abuse of alcohol and tobacco is increasing amongst the youth, as they are viewed as more socially acceptable substances. Much of the impact these substances have on the physiology and psycho-social wellbeing of the youth in the long term are usually not emphasised/highlighted during the campaign.
Substance abuse remains one of the critical challenges facing South Africa. A number of research studies that have been conducted locally and internationally reflect the diverse nature of causes and effects of substance abuse. These studies also reflect a sharp increase in the number of young people that are falling prey to substance abuse, as well as an increase in the demand and supply of illicit drugs.
Substance abuse is a major contributor to crime, poverty, reduced productivity, unemployment, dysfunctional family life, political instability, the escalation of chronic diseases such HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis, injury and premature death. Substance abuse reaches across social, racial, cultural, language, religious, gender boundaries and affects everyone directly or indirectly. The media is therefore invited to the summit scheduled to start at 9am.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
