Pretoria – Government says it is encouraged by the turnaround occurring in Eldorado Park, and has urged other communities to work together with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on suspected drug kingpins.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Phumla Williams, on Tuesday said while there were many interventions that were underway, an integrated approach was needed. This would require community members coming to the forefront and divulging information to put an end to the scourge of drug abuse.
“Government is committed to rid our society of substance abuse, which is the cause of numerous social problems. We urge parents, relatives and other community structures to play a role in raising awareness and to provide support to those affected,” said Williams.
Government had noted that violent incidents were still occurring in other areas and urged all communities to come forward with any information that will assist law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
As the country celebrates Youth Month under the theme, Working together for youth development and a drug-free South Africa, government has taken the lead in fighting substance abuse through various national initiatives and programmes.
These initiatives include the Anti-Substance National Plan of Action, which is a collective effort towards a South Africa that is free of drug abuse.
The plan focuses on enabling policy and legislation, supply reduction, demand reduction, and strengthening the role of civil society in this struggle.
To date, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Combating Substance Abuse has made headway in a number of interventions, such as reviewing the Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme, which is meant to educate, create awareness and provide youth with skills to deal with substance abuse challenges and related social ills. – SAnews.gov.za
