The Minister of Social Development Mrs Edna Molewa, accompanied by members of the Central Drug Authority (CDA) will attend the fourth session of the African Union Conference of Ministers for Drug and Crime Prevention, from 1 to 2 October 2010 in Ethiopia.
The conference is a follow up to the third session and will review implementation of the AU Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2007 to 2012) and the AU Member States are expected to present progress reports.
The conference will serve as a platform for a call to collective action for the elimination of illicit drug production, use and trafficking as well as drug-related crimes in the African continent. Key amongst others, the conference will discuss measures to strengthen continental early warning systems, threat assessment, and treatment for drug dependence as well as strengthening the criminal justice system on drug-related crimes. The conference will culminate in the adoption of key action areas such as supply and demand reduction, law enforcement and strengthening regional cooperation.
“Illicit drug trafficking is a global phenomenon and one of the most lucrative forms of crime. The complexity of the drug and alcohol abuse problem in the continent demands a coordinated and highly integrated approach if the goal of creating a drug-free societies in Africa is to be achieved.
“One of the most worrying issues the African continent has to contend with is its status as a major trans-shipment point for narcotics and its vulnerability to drug trafficking. The conference will therefore serve as a platform to strengthen both country and regional collective action for the elimination of illicit drug production, use and trafficking” said Minister Molewa.
The AU session comes at a time when the CDA in partnership with the Department of Social Development is preparing to launch a national campaign to combat illicit drugs and substance abuse in South Africa. the primary objective of this national campaign is coordinate the work of all stakeholders concerned with the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan, so as to make a collective contribution to the critical work of addressing the serious impacts of illicit drug use in communities.
This campaign aims to create discussion not just in the public arena but in homes, schools and to stimulate debate and action at all levels of the South African society. This will be complemented by a mass media campaign. Later this year the CDA and the department will host the second Biennial Summit on substance abuse.
For enquiries contact:
Mandla Mathebula
Spokesperson for the Department of Social Development
Cell: 083 282 6133
