The Department of Social Development on Monday engaged with residents of Randfontein, whose lives are affected by the high prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse.
The engagement served as a commemoration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to highlight the socio-economic problems associated with substance abuse.
This year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed under the theme, ‘Leave no one behind: Availability, affordability and access to prevention and treatment services’.
This day is also referred to as World Drug Day, which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987.
Speaking at the community engagement, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said the day serves as a call for everyone to unite in the fight of alcohol and drug abuse.
“This day serves as a call for all of us to unite and join hands beyond race, class, colour or ethnic group, and play our part in the fight against alcohol, drugs and any other illegal substances that negatively affect our country.
“This theme calls upon all South Africans, including policy makers, social workers and rehabilitation centres to avail themselves in the fight against substance abuse,” Zulu said.
The Minister said the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) is not the sole responsibility of the Department of Social Development, but rather a collaborative effort with other organs of State, including civil society organisations and the rest of society.
“We are implementing the National Drug Master Plan 2019 - 2024, which reflects the country’s response to the substance abuse problem.
“We are here to be reminded that it is not okay to judge and label people who are battling addiction because we are all battling with some sort of addiction,” Zulu said.
Last week, the department visited the port of Durban to teach Social Development officials about maritime drug trafficking.
In the same week, border police officers attached to the Ngqura sea port seized 32 blocks of cocaine with a street value of R12.8 million. The drugs were found stashed in an empty cargo container. The container was due to be transported from South Africa to the United Arab Emirates. – SAnews.gov.za
