The Minister of Social Development, Mrs Edna Molewa and members of the CDA – the body responsible for planning, coordinating and promoting measures to prevent and combat the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country are launching a national anti-substance abuse campaign under the theme: “No place for drugs in my community”.
The launch will take place in Upington-Northern Cape Province, which has high levels of substance abuse and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The minister will be accompanied by other national ministers, Premier of the Northern Cape, Hazel Jenkins, MEC Alvin Botes. The delegation will conduct a door-door campaign in the areas affected by the scourge of substance abuse and educate communities on the dangers of substance abuse.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: 14 October 2010
Time: 06h00
Venue: Rosedale-Upington, Northern Cape Province
South Africa is facing a growing phenomenon of substance abuse, which is linked to the illicit drug trafficking trade. This has serious implications for the millions of citizens because substance abuse contributes to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, family dysfunction and many other forms of social problems.
The South African government recognises that the drug problem is complex and requires decisive and collective national action if the goal of creating a drug-free society is to be achieved. Social Development is the lead government department in implementing the National Drug Master Plan (NMDP, 2006 to 2011), which serves as a blue print of national action and programmes to stamp out drug abuse and its associated challenges.
The NMDP commits government and all other sectors of society to work together on key areas such as to reduce the demand and supply of illegal drugs through a wide range of coordinated action from national to local levels.
At the heart of campaign is the call to all sectors of the South African society to help mobilise social conscience against substance abuse and to raise general public awareness about the dangers of drugs. This campaign aims to create discussions not just in the public arena but in homes, schools and to stimulate debate and action at all levels of the South African society
RSVP:
Abram Phahlamohlaka
Tel: 012 312 7475
Cell: 082 928 6590
E-mail: abramp@dsd.gov.za
Conrad Fortune
Tel: 053 831 4041
Cell: 079 873 0679
E-mail: cfortune@ncpg.gov.za
Enquiries:
Mandla Mathebula
Cell: 083 282 6133
