Johannesburg - The Department of Social Development and the Central Drug Authority (CDA) are launching an anti-substance abuse national campaign, a department spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Abram Phahlamohlaka said the campaign would run with the theme “No place for drugs in my community”.
“South Africa is facing a growing phenomenon of substance abuse, which is linked to the illicit drug trafficking trade,” Phahlamohlaka said in a statement.
The launch would take place on October 14 in Upington in the Northern Cape, where there were high levels of substance abuse and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
The drug trade had serious implications for South Africans because substance abuse contributed to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, family dysfunction and many other forms of social problems, Phahlamohlaka said.
After the national launch provinces would conduct their own programmes in the form of door-to-door campaigns throughout the country, Phahlamohlaka said.
The Minister of Social Development Edna Molewa, accompanied by other national ministers, and Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins, MEC Alvin Botes, and CDA members would conduct a door-to-door campaign in the areas most affected by substance abuse and educate communities on its dangers.
The campaign would aim to get people talking about the problem in the public arena, homes and schools, and to stimulate debate and action at all levels of society.
“The South African government recognises that the drug problem is complex and requires decisive and collective national action if the goal of creating a drug-free society is to be achieved”. - Sapa