​The Central Drug Authority (CDA) in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Social Development engaged stakeholders in the field of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking to exchange information and experiences according to Section 56(1) of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 2008 (Act. No 70 of 2008).
The Summit, observed under the theme, “Towards sustainable, coordinated and impactful strategies for national drug and substance use in South Africa”, created a platform to promote a collaborative approach amongst government, civil society organisations and communities.

Speaking at Banquet Hall in Westonaria on Wednesday, Central Drug Authority Chairperson, and former Gauteng Social Development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said global statistics indicated that drugs killed almost half a million people in 2019, and drug use disorders resulted in 18 million years of healthy life lost.

“The World Drug Report (WDR) projects that by 2030, the number of people using drugs will rise by 11% around the world, and as much as 40% in Africa alone. The report further urges policy makers to note that illicit drug cultivation offers no way out for impoverished communities in the long run.”

“What prevails globally, impacts on our country and our response to substance use, misuse, and illicit drug trafficking. In 2021, more than ten thousand (10 000) people were admitted for treatment services across 94 centres in South Africa compared to 9 394 in year 2020,” said Mayathula-Khoza.

She echoed that South Africa has a high alcohol consumption rate in the world, which costed 12% of the annual GDP in 2021 amounting to a staggering 131 billion rands.

Gauteng Department of Social Development Director for Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Desary Carlinsky said communities and civil society must join hands with government so that there can be a collective effort and support for a drug-free Gauteng Province.

Carlinsky was speaking on behalf of Gauteng Social Development MEC, Mbali Hlophe.

She said the partnership and support from the Central Drug Authority, the National Department of Social Development and the Gauteng Provincial Substance Abuse Forum is greatly valued.

“When people start to engage in meaningful conversations, that is when influence will be felt on the ground. We look forward to strengthening partnerships and networks that will be formed and continue to work together as we implement programmes to assist people that are struggling with substance use disorder in our communities, especially townships, informal settlements, and hostels”, said Carlinsky.

She added that substance abuse is an elevated priority in Gauteng and resources will be channeled to assist persons in their plight with substance use disorder.