The Minister for Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, today announced the new Board of Central Drug Authority (CDA). The CDA was established as an advisory body in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (Act No. 20 of 1992) and is mandated to assist in the fight against substance abuse in the country.
The new committee members are:
Representatives from NGOs and Universities:
Mr Peter Ucko, Professor Dan Stein, Ms Angela Salter, Mr Moses Gama, Mr Hendrick Kruger, Mr Collen Mpyane, Dr Eva Manyedi, Ms Lethiwe Ndlovu, Ms Carol Dutoit, Dr Lee Rocha-Silva, Dr Ray Eberlein, Ms Johlene Ntwane, Mr Jeffrey Nkosi, and Mr Mbusi from Eastern Cape.
Representatives from government departments:
Mr Mogotsi Kalaeamodimo (Social Development), Dr Sadhna Panday (Basic Education), Mr Peter Posthumus (South African Revenue Services), Ms Phezi Mabuza (Trade and Industry), Ms Ntahbiseng Malefane (International Relations and Cooperation), Mr Frank Ledimo (Arts and Culture), Ms Nomfundo Mahlangeni (Labour), Ms Sesi Mahlobogwane (Higher Education and Training), Ms Mpho Nche (National Youth Development Agency), Major General Susan Pienaar (South African Police Service), Mr Pelmos Mashabela (Correctional Services), Mr Sello Malaka (Home Affairs), Mr Sifiso Pakade (Health), Prof Shabir Banoo (Medicines Control Council), Ms Hajira Skaal (Sports and Recreation), Dr Nokes and (South African Institute on Drug Free Sport).
Addressing the occasion, Minister Dlamini called on all South Africans to join the fight against substance abuse because of the social ills it brings to society. “If we are to conquer this war, it will not be as a result of Government action alone, but it will occur as a result of a coordinated national effort.
The high levels of alcohol and drug abuse, and in more recent times, the emergence of cheap and easily accessible drugs like nyaope and whoonga requires a concerted and on-going effort by all sectors of our society,” explained Minister Dlamini.
Minister Dlamini also announced that Cabinet is expected to approve the reviewed National Drug Master Plan (2013-2017) in April. The Master Plan builds on the foundation laid down by government's previous strategies and serves as the country’s blueprint for preventing and reducing alcohol and substance abuse and associated social and economic consequences on the South African society.
Congratulating the new board members on their appointment, Minister Dlamini promised them that government is fully behind them. “We are building strong partnerships with NPOs at community level and promoting political commitment at all Government spheres to sustain this fight.
Your membership of the CDA Board puts you in a unique and better position of working not only with Government, but also in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, health and social partners and the community sector, to identify and address the complex challenges of alcohol and substance abuse,” said Minister Dlamini.
The term for the new Board runs for five years.
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
