abuse
14 February 2007
The Biennial Summit under the theme "Forging Effective Partnerships towards
a Drug Free Society," was concluded this afternoon and delegates agreed on
several resolutions to map the way forward in efforts to combat the scourge of
substance and drug abuse. The summit was hosted by the Department of Social
Development and the Central Drug Authority (CDA).
Highlighted amongst other important issues was the need for a concerted
effort through partnerships from government, the private sector,
non-governmental organisations and inter-continental structures.
As a medium to transport and deliver the message paramount to the youth,
Deputy Director General for Integrated Development Vuyelwa Nhlapo reiterated
the importance of the "Ke Moja" Campaign, which is the Department's Prevention
Strategy targeted towards youth, to be adopted by all stakeholders dealing with
Substance and Drug Abuse in South Africa.
Ending on a positive note the delegates concurred on the following
Resolutions as a way forward:
1. There is a need to conduct a met-analysis of research in the field of
substance abuse in South Africa in the context of the global framework. This
will ensure that we identify knowledge gaps and are able to supplement and
cover a full spectrum of research in the substance abuse arena. The Central
Drug Authority will be charged with the responsibility of leading the
process.
2. Due to the porous nature of our borders and the strategic position of South
Africa for the trafficking of drugs we need to put measures in place to
strengthen our border posts. All law enforcement agencies in collaboration with
one another and the CDA will develop strategies in this regard.
3. With the advent of advanced technology, cyber internet-crime is on the
increase, such as the availability of prescription and other drugs. There is a
need to ensure that South Africa has the capacity to prevent and combat such
crime and that the CDA engage with the appropriate law enforcement and other
agencies to this end.
4. The Central Drug Authority must engage with the Department of Health and
other appropriate departments to formulate a policy on alcohol use and
abuse.
5. Review the intervention strategies in substance abuse with a view to
determining the most appropriate modalities for use in South Africa. This would
include a robust national debate on modalities such as harm reduction.
6. Substance abuse should not be dealt with in isolation but in the context of
all maladaptive behavioural disorders and social illnesses. These include but
are not limited to HIV and AIDS, gambling, human trafficking. The CDA must
ensure effective collaboration between all relevant parties including the
realigning of intervention strategies.
7. There is a need for a social mobilisation campaign at an individual, family,
community, national and international levels aimed at raising awareness and
prevention of substance abuse.
8. "Ke Moja" as a national awareness programme targeting the youth, needs to be
strengthened and there will be liaison with other initiatives such as, but not
limited to, South African National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence
(SANCA), Love Life and Soul City in order to maximise collaboration and
impact.
9. Existing partnerships need to be strengthened and agreements with new,
willing partners need to be finalised.
10. There is a need to strengthen the CDA support structures such as the
Provincial Forums and to consolidate the establishment of the Local Drug Action
Committees.
11. There is a need for a specific integrated Arts and Culture intervention
programme aimed at the prevention of substance abuse amongst children.
12. To assess the nature and extent of substance abuse in the workplace and to
strengthen existing programmes.
Enquiries:
Kgati Sathekge
Cell: 082 808 9486
Zingaphi Matanzima
Cell: 073 122 3133
Issued by: Department of Social Development
14 February 2007
