Inauguration of the new Central Drug Authority (CDA) members, in Boksburg
10 April 2006
Master of ceremonies,
Distinguished guests,
Colleagues,
Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am truly pleased to be part of the inauguration of the new members of the
Central Drug Authority as it is an indication of the progress we made in the
prevention and treatment of substance abuse since 1994.
Twelve days ago, the Minister of Social Development, Dr Skweyiya, and
myself, acknowledged the reviewed substance abuse legislation in our budget
speech. The National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) is one of the documents in the
field of substance abuse, aimed at guiding the country to combat and prevent
substance abuse. Allow me at this stage to indicate, that in addition to the
implementation of the new National Drug Master Plan, you are challenged to
develop an integrated policy on the management of substance abuse that will
cater for all departments represented in the Central Drug Authority until
2010.
Ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, the Central Drug Authority is a
statutory body in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act,
Act 20 of 1992. The Minister of Social Development instituted the Central Drug
Authority during July 2000, to advise government on drug related issues and to
implement the National Drug Master Plan.
As members of the CDA you are expected to advise the Minister of Social
Development and other government departments on issues relating to substance
abuse management and control. You are required to plan, co-ordinate and promote
measures relating to substance abuse prevention. Cabinet will adopt the
National Drug Master Plan 2005-2010 during the course of 2006. This policy
document acts as a barometer of time commitment and performance of the South
African Government and its citizen in the field of substance abuse. The main
objective of the NDMP is to form a united front of all stakeholders in South
Africa for a joint action towards a society free of drug abuse.
You have to communicate decisions taken, at CDA meetings to your
organisations and provide feedback to the CDA on how your organisations are
preventing substance abuse through the development of Mini Drug Master
Plans.
Ladies and gentlemen, South Africa continues to experience increased levels
of substance abuse. Presently, the age of first experimentation in drug abuse
has dropped to nine years. However, South Africa is not alone in its campaign
against drugs. The rapid globalisation of the drug trade over the past decade
has virtually ensured that no country is immune to the threat. The drug trade
transcends international borders in the global community. South Africa is no
exception. It continues to serve as a transit point for the drug trade and it
has also become a consumption country, due to its well developed transportation
infrastructure, modern international telecommunications and banking systems. In
addition, the long, porous borders and at times, weak border control
mechanisms, make South Africa a natural target for drug traffickers.
According to the 2006 report by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, 30% of the
worldâs population under 15 years abuse drugs and five million people die from
related diseases every year. The statistics for illicit drug trading and abuse
reveal that less than five percent of the worldâs population under 15 years use
drugs and 200 000 people die annually because of their addiction.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to emphasise that we are looking forward
to your valuable and diverse contributions. The successful implementation of
the National Drug Master Plan requires a concerted effort from government and
all sectors of society to strive towards a drug free society. This can be
achieved through integrated interventions from all government departments and
key stakeholders. Participation of all stakeholders, such as local government,
health care professionals, traditional healers, traditional institutions,
religious organisations, schools, parents, sports groups, the media and the
private sector is essential. New and innovative solutions such as community
based preventative programmes.
Members of the CDA, the essential activities towards action are consistent
and vigorous exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise between various service
providers and across disciplines. For dialogue to occur the role players and
stakeholders need to know and understand each otherâs area of professional
expertise. For too long now have the different professionals worked in
isolation. This new term provides us with the opportunity to break the barriers
and seek innovative and workable solutions as a collective, to address the
challenges facing us in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Ladies and gentlemen, join me in congratulating the new members of the CDA
on their appointment. We all know the road ahead is not an easy one. However,
history has taught us that when we join forces and pool our skills and
resources, we can successfully meet the challenges. I am hopeful that the new
members of the board for the Central Drug Authority will take up the challenge
of achieving a drug free society with vigour.
I thank you for your attention.
Issued by: Department of Social Development
10 April 2006
