President Jacob Zuma has called for renewed commitment and action in the fight against drugs and substance abuse, as the world marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, 26 June.
In 1987, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme for 2013 is "make health your 'new high' in life, not drugs”.
South Africa takes the matter so seriously that fighting drug abuse has become the key focus of the 2013 youth month programme, under the theme; "Working Together for Youth Development and a Drug Free South Africa”.
"We urge the youth to join in the campaign to eradicate drug and substance abuse. Let each and every member in the society be a champion against drug abuse and trafficking in their own localities'', said President Zuma.
The President has instructed government departments to work with all spheres and communities to arrest the demand and supply as well as ensure the provision of treatment and assistance to the affected.
"We have heard the cries of many families around the country. Drug and substance abuse have serious implications for millions of South Africans because the consumption and abuse contributes to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, family dysfunction and other social problems. In particular, youth have borne the brunt of abuse with the emergence of local drugs such as Nyaope, whoonga, tik, kubar and others. Every sector of society must work with government to fight substance and drug abuse and promote a safer future for our children'', said President Zuma.
The President said that the police are playing their part and are continuing to raid drug dens and illegal liquor outlets as instructed. "Communities must come forward with information so that we eradicate this scourge completely'', said President Zuma.
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