Question NW569 to the Minister of Social Development
01 October 2019 - NW569
Mpambo-Sibhukwana, Ms T to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the recent statistics on the high level of drug abuse in society, what (a) is her department’s plans to deploy social workers to drug-ridden areas, (b) deviation programmes has her department put in place to combat substance abuse by the youth and (c) monitoring and evaluation tool is used by her department to assess the impact of the deviation programmes on substance abuse nationally?
Reply:
(a) The Department of Social Development (DSD) is currently rolling out Siyalulama Outreach Programme in provinces. The programme aims at providing people living in substance abuse hot spot areas with services. DSD implements this programme in partnership with other Government Departments and Community Based Organisations based on their availability and the issue being addressed. Professionals being employed in this programme includes Social Service Professionals, medical practitioners, law enforcement officials, educators, researchers, etc.
(b) DSD is also offering the following programmes to youth:
• Ke Moja Education and Awareness Programme which targets young people and children in and out of school. The programme seeks to create awareness and educate young people and children about the effects of drugs and other related substances. It provides them with skills to deal with substance abuse related challenges. The programme also informs youth about available government services and how to access them.
• The Institutions of Higher Learning Education and Awareness Programme targets students at institutions of higher learning particularly first year students. The aim of the programme is to create awareness and educate students about the effects of drugs and alcohol and also link them to services around their new social environment.
• The Festive Season Education and Awareness Programme targets adults, youth, Children, women and other vulnerable groups. The purpose of the programme is to encourage children and youth in particular to have a drug and alcohol free festive season. This programme also seeks to protect children against neglect and accidents such as drowning during this period. The programme encourages parents to be more vigilant and protect their hard earned valuables and money during this time of the year.
(c) DSD together with the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation evaluated the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) 2013-2017. The report was presented to Cabinet during March 2019. The study aimed at assessing the extent to which the NDMP has been implemented. The report was used during the review of the new NDMP. DSD together with the Medical Research Council are currently developing an electronic Service Quality Measurement (SQM). The paper based system has been developed and piloted. SQM will help the department to continuously measure the quality of treatment services in the Country. DSD also work with the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drugs (SACENDU) to produce statistical report on people who receive treatment services on a six monthly basis. DSD also contributes and receive a presentation on the Annual World Drug Report from the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. These reports helps to determine the trend of drug trafficking and use both locally and international.