Media Advisory
Pretoria, 19 June 2023: As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the Department of Social development wishes to remind South Africa of one of the challenges faced by young people around the country – alcohol and substance abuse.
Drug abuse is a complex problem at the center of public health, safety, and social issues, which claims more than half a million lives per year, and it places a burden on families and communities. Socio-economic factors such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment remain key contributing elements to the increased use of drugs and the development of substance use disorders.
It is in this context that the period between 19 and 23 June, has been set aside as the National Anti-Drug Awareness Week, and the department will be raising awareness on the harmful effects of substance abuse by conducting tours and activities in various parts of the country.
This week seeks to highlight the dangers associated with drug usage, abuse and illegal trade which often flourish where drug lords use different mechanisms to traffic drugs in and out of the borders of South Africa. This week provides an opportunity to educate the public so they may help with spreading the message about the extreme cultural and economic harm the trade of drugs does globally.
This initiative is a build-up to the commemoration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This international day will be held under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Agency Network for Demand Reduction, Drug Control and Crime Prevention annual theme, “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.
Reaching out to various parts of the country to educate and raise anti-substance awareness emanates from the National Drug Master Plan 2019 - 2024, which is an overarching blueprint of the country’s response to substance abuse. The goal of the of the NDMP is to contribute to safer and healthier communities through coordinated efforts to prevent usage, treatment of substance disorders, and reduction, production, and distribution of illicit drugs in South Africa.
To reduce the prevalence of substance abuse in families and communities, the Department of Social Development, has a flagship prevention programme: “KE MOJA”, “I AM FINE WITHOUT DRUGS” which empowers children, youth, and parents about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
For the duration of National Anti-Drug Awareness Week, the Department of Social Development, will embark on the following activities:
DATE PROVINCE ACTIVITY TIME
19 June 2023 Bellville, Western Cape Province Visit to Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) 10h00 – 13h00
20 June 2023 Gauteng Province, Pretoria, 270 Pretoria Road Silverton Visit to Forensic Science Laboratory 10h00 – 13h00
21 June 2023 Toekomsrus, Gauteng Province Community Dialogues 10h00 – 13h00
22 June 2023 Mohlakeng, Gauteng Province Community Dialogues 10h00 – 13h00
23 June 2023 Durban Port, KwaZulu Natal Province Visit to Durban Port 10h00 – 13h00
Members of the media can RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Xulu on 066 480 6845 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
