Question NW3859 to the Minister of Social Development:
23 December 2022 - NW3859
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether, considering that 50 000 parents have asked Premier Panyaza Lesufi to assist their children who are addicted to drugs and need rehabilitation, she has found that her department has an effective plan to combat substance abuse in communities; if not, why not; if so, what plan?
Reply:
The Department of Social Development has a National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) 2019-2024 which is a product of broad consultation with relevant stakeholders. NDMP has been endorsed by Parliament and is clarifies roles and responsibilities of different government departments and other stakeholders. The Central Drug Authority (CDA), established in terms of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (Act 70 of 2008) is responsible for the coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the NDMP. The implementation of the NDMP at Provincial and local levels is guided by the Provincial Substance Abuse Forums and Local Drug Action Committees established in terms of Act 70 of 2008. Annually CDA submits to Parliament Progress Report on the implementation of the NDMP. The following are the goals of the NDMP:
Goal 1: Demand reduction through prevention and treatment of drug use, misuse and abuse.
Goal 2: Supply reduction through multi-sectoral cooperation.
Goal 3: Ensuring availability of and access to controlled substances exclusively for medical and scientific purposes, while preventing their diversion.
Goal 4: Identify trends and control of new psychoactive substances.
Goal 5: Promote governance, leadership, and accountability for a coordinated multi- sectoral effective response, including economic development at community levels.
Goal 6: Strengthening data collection, monitoring, evaluation and research evidence for an evidence-based response.
Goal 7: Stimulate robust and sustainable economic growth aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment and inequalities.
Government developed an Integrated Anti-Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programme of Action aimed at addressing the Substance Use and Abuse at community level. The following are the Objectives of the Programme of Action:
To review and align liquor, Policy and legislations
To educate and create awareness on alcohol and substance abuse
To increase and strengthen the availability of services and resources to civil society organizations dealing with alcohol-related harm across South Africa
To review institutional mechanisms to prevent and manage alcohol and drug use in the country