Gauteng province and the country at large, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The Deputy Director at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Busi Kheswa stated that drugs such crystal methamphetamine, nyaope, heroine, and dagga are major concerns in the province.
According to Kheswa, the availability and the rampant spread of illegal substances and its devastating socio-economic impact. This, along with its lethal consequences, has spurred a discussion that calls for the government to launch a social campaign to organize all persons and respective sectors against the plague of substance misuse.
“Substance abuse affects everyone directly and indirectly within the Gauteng City Region and undermines efforts to accelerate social transformation and sustainable development in our communities. Research studies indicate that there is direct link between the abuse of drugs and social ills such as crime, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and child abuse amongst others,” she said.
Mr Panyaza Lesufi, the newly appointed Gauteng Premier, has established a new effort to rehabilitate adolescents addicted to drugs. This aimed to assist the government’s goal of eliminating drug use in Gauteng’s streets.
Kheswa said that this formed part if the province’s 2030 vision to put youth at the centre of policy making decisions, as well as the economy.
“This programme will be spearheaded by Gauteng Social Development, under leadership of MEC Mbali Hlophe. The Department reiterates the importance of having a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary intervention to the complex issue of substance abuse,” she said.
Gauteng Department of Social Development developed the Gauteng City Region Anti-Drug Misuse Strategy in 2020. With the aim to guarantee that the Gauteng Government takes reasonable steps to prevent substance abuse, with a focus on the three pillars outlined below.
- Harm reduction – This pillar talks to provision of holistic treatment to substance users and their families, and also relates to mitigation against the social, psychological and health impact of substance abuse.
- Demand reduction – This pillar aims to discourage the abuse of substances by members of communities, the emphasis is on prevention and awareness programmes.
- Supply reduction – This refers to efforts aimed at stopping the production, distribution of illicit substances and associated crimes thorough enhanced law enforcement agencies as provided for in our laws of the country.
Kheswa indicated that these pillars are vital and they have yielded results to a certain extent, however we acknowledge much more is to be done in ensuring a drug free province. She also urged residents of Gauteng, various government departments, civil society, churches and law enforcement agencies to unite in this battle.
“They should band together in confronting this horrendous plague that continues to rob the province and the country at large of the youth and their future. Gauteng residents are encouraged to make use of the helpline by calling 0800228827 or emailing GPAntiSubtanceAbuse@Gauteng.gov.za or USSD 134474727,” she said.
