Pretoria - An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) is to be set up in due course to strengthen South Africa's existing anti-substance abuse campaigns, Cabinet announced on Thursday.
The IMC will help to better coordinate and support campaigns which drive government's message of healthier lifestyles.
Briefing the media, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said the IMC's primary function would be to steer a national anti-substance abuse campaign.
"The IMC will also consider the fast tracking of departmental action plans to curb substance and alcohol abuse in our communities. The campaign will raise awareness about substance abuse to strengthen existing programmes to address the scourge of substance abuse in parts of the country," explained Maseko.
In its deliberations on Wednesday, Cabinet supported the convening of a stakeholder summit so as to develop a nationwide programme of action.
Convened by the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, the IMC will comprise the Ministers of Correctional Services, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, Basic Education, Health, Higher Education and Training, and Economic Development.
