A report on the 1st Biennial Substance Abuse Summit

“Forging effective partnerships and striving for a drug free society.”

Summit hosted by the Department of Social Development and

the Central Drugs Authority

11th - 14th of February 2007

The Forum, Bryanston, Johannesburg

Gauteng, South Africa

Table of Contents

1Introduction

1.1The Biennial Summit

1.1.1 Background......

2Understanding the Context – Key Initiatives

2.1The National Drug Master Plan (2006 – 2011)

2.2The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill

2.3The Need for an Integrated Approach

2.4The Purpose of the Summit

2.5The Structure of the Summit

2.6The Conference Report

3Key Speeches made at the Summit

3.1Opening and Welcome: MEC for Social Development, Gauteng

3.2Key Note Address: Minister of Social Development

4Day One

4.1Presentation: Legislation & Oversight: Portfolio Committee on Social Development

4.2The National Drug Master Plan of the Central Drug Authority

4.3Panel Discussion: School as a Site for Early Intervention: An Integrated Approach

4.3.1Deputy Minister Social Development

4.3.2Deputy Minister Sports and Recreation

4.3.3Deputy Minister Arts and Culture

4.3.4Representative for the Deputy Minister of Education

4.3.5Representative for the Deputy Minister of Safety and Security

4.4Discussion: Forging Effective Partnerships

4.4.1Partnerships with the Alcohol Industry: Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA)

4.4.2Forging Effective Partnerships with the Pharmaceutical Industry

4.4.3Questions/Issues Raised by Delegates

5Day Two

5.1Presentations: International and African Perspective on Drugs: UNODC

5.2Intravenous drugs, HIV/AIDS: The Kenya Experience

5.3Drug Abuse trends in South Africa: SACENDU

5.4Effects of Alcohol Abuse: Children’s Perspective and Economic Impact

5.5Harm Reduction Policies and Alcohol Strategies

5.6Gambling Addiction: National Responsible Gambling Programme

5.6.1Questions/Issues Raised by Delegates

5.7Discussion: Forging Effective Partnerships with the Law Enforcement Agencies SAPS and the NPA

5.7.1Senior Superintendent Oppell

5.7.2NPA: Mr Hofmeyer

5.8Forging Effective Partnerships: Business Against Crime

6Day Three

6.1Keynote Speeches: Combating the Enormity of Drug Abuse through Theatre, Arts and Culture: Nigerian Perspective

6.2Anti doping in sports: South African Institute for Drug Free Sport

6.3Alcohol, Driving and Traffic: The South African Scene

6.3.1Questions/Issues Raised by Delegates

6.4Saying “No!” to Drugs: UNODC

6.5The Department of Health in the Frontline: Department of Health: Managing Substance Abuse

6.5.1Questions/Issued Raised by Delegates

7Key Issues Arising from the Track Choices

7.1Track Choice 1: Demand Reduction & Prevention Strategies

7.2Track Choice 2: Supply Reduction

7.3Track Choice 3: Community Involvement

7.4Track Choice 4: Legislation and Policy

7.5Track Choice 5: Treatment and Aftercare

8Resolutions and Way Forward

8.1Implementation of the Recommendations and Resolutions of this Summit

8.2The Next Summit

9Appendix

9.1Programme for the Summit

9.2Speeches and Presentations

9.2.1Opening and Welcome Note: DDG – Social Development

9.2.2Keynote Address: Minister of Social Development

9.2.3Panel Discussion: School as a Site for Early Intervention

10Bibliography/Sources of Information

Disclaimer

Whist this report contains all the information obtained during the sessions of the Summit, in completing it we have undertaken very little interpretation or verificationof the information provided by both presenters and delegates. Any factual errors contained in this report, therefore, cannot necessarily be attributed to the Noted! Team.The Department of Social Development is responsible for proof reading this report before it is published in the media for public attention.

Executive Summary

Substance abuse remains one of the critical challenges facing South Africa. A number of research studies that have been conducted locally and internationally reflect the diverse nature of causes and effects of substance abuse. These studies also reflect a sharp increase in the number of young people that are falling prey to substance abuse, as well as an increase in the demand and supply of illicit drugs. In order to achieve its vision of “a drug free society”, the National Drug Master Plan and the proposed Bill on The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill, constitute the country's set of responses to the substance abuse problem.

However, the successful implementation thereof is hampered by a myriad of challenges, including the lack of resources; difficulty in obtaining accurate and current statistics on the supply and demand of alcohol and illicit drugs in South Africa; an outdated legislative framework; limited opportunities/platforms for sharing information; and the geographical position of South Africa, which makes it a key port for drug trafficking and presents challenges around effective border control both into and out of the country, thus making drug trafficking easier for the perpetrators.

It is against this backdrop that the 1st Biennial Summit on Substance Abuse was conceived. The 1st Biennial Summit on Substance Abuse, therefore, presented a key turning point in the fight against substance abuse from a number of perspectives:

It presented an opportunity to strengthen mechanisms to implement strategic initiatives that will ensure positive interventions for the vulnerable members of our society.

It presented a platform for policymakers, donors, development agencies, civil society organisations and government officials to share lessons and experiences in the field of substance abuse.

It presented an opportunity to enhance coordinated activities through collaborative efforts to support the vision of a drug free society.

It presented an opportunity for various stakeholders to interrogate and develop a better understanding of the framework within which this response will be driven (from a legislative and strategic point of view).

It presented an opportunity to share and promote current good practices to reduce the harm and address the crime associated with substance abuse.

It also served as a platform to review progress and identify successes and lessons learnt, which will complement the guiding principles as set out in the National Drug Master Plan.

The highlight of the Summit was the adoption of resolutions and recommendations that will provide a basis for enhancing the fight against substance abuse. These resolutions and recommendations were made on the basis of structured discussions and presentations on demand reduction and prevention strategies, supply reduction, community involvement, policy and legislative interventions, as well as treatment and aftercare.

In acknowledging that a lot still needs to be done to ensure the adoption and implementation of an integrated approach on creating a drug free society, the Summit served as a major catalyst for the formulation of key strategic partnerships, as well as a basis for augmenting those that already exist. It is critical that the resolutions and recommendations made at the Summit are translated into tangible plans of action and that these are implemented, monitored and evaluated. It is envisaged that the success of this Summit will be determined by the level of integration that takes place subsequent to this Summit.

Glossary of Terms

CDA / Central Drug Authority
NDMP / National Drug Master Plan
SACENDU / South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use
UNESCO / United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UNODC / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

1Introduction

1.1The Biennial Summit

1.1.1Background

Over the past decade there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse in South Africa. According to the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU), an increasing number of young patients are being admitted to rehabilitation centres for drug related problems. The South African Risk Survey conducted in 2004 indicates that nationally, 49% of teens use alcohol, 31% smoke and 13% use dagga regularly. This poses enormous challenges, as half of South Africa’s population is comprised of children and adolescents.

In understanding the South African context, it is important to acknowledge that substance abuse is a global problem. In South Africa and beyond its borders, substance abuse is a major contributor to crime, poverty, reduced productivity, unemployment, dysfunctional family life, political instability, the escalation of chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB), injury and premature death.[1]

The current legislative framework provides the South African Government with a basis for combating substance abuse, and this is augmented by specific International Instruments and Conventions, of which South Africa is a signatory.

However, the efforts of the Government of South Africa to combat substance abuse are sometimes hampered by a number of key issues, such as:

  • the difficulty in obtaining accurate and current statistics on the supply and demand of alcohol and illicit drugs in South Africa.
  • the current legislative framework is considered to be outdated and does not adequately address specific aspects of the problem, including prevention, treatment and care in relation to substance abuse.
  • there are limited opportunities and/or platforms for policy makers, donors, development agencies, civil society and government officials to share information, key lessons and experiences in the field of substance abuse.
  • the serious lack of necessary resources and capacity to combat substance abuse.
  • the geographical position of South Africa, which makes it a key port for drug trafficking.
  • the challenges around effective border control, both into and out of the country, thus making drug trafficking easier for the perpetrators.

The Biennial Summit was born out of the need to facilitate information sharing related to substance abuse, with specific focus on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Special emphasis is placed on the need to consider best practice approaches thereof, as well as capacity building models.

The Directorate Substance Abuse and the Central Drug Authority, under the Chief Directorate – Welfare Services Transformation (Social Development), was tasked with the responsibility of hosting the 1st Biennial Substance Abuse Summit in South Africa.

It was agreed that the theme for the summit should be “forging effective partnerships and striving for a drug free society.”

2Understanding the Context – Key Initiatives

2.1The National Drug Master Plan (2006 – 2011)

The National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) was drafted in accordance with the stipulations of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (No. 20 of 1992). It constitutes the country's set of responses to the substance abuse problem as defined by UN Conventions and other international bodies. The administrative unit of the Act is the Central Drug Authority (CDA), whose secretariat is located within the Department of Social Development. The NDMP enables cooperation between Government departments and stakeholders in the field of drug prevention.

The NDMP outlines the role that each department should play in fighting the scourge of drug abuse. It also acknowledges the significant contribution in this regard of various departments and agencies in the country[2].

The goals of the NDMP are to:

  • ensure the coordination of efforts to reduce the supply of and demand for drugs/substances of abuse.
  • strengthen efforts aimed at the elimination of drug trafficking and related crimes.
  • strengthen the legal and institutional framework for combating the illicit supply and abuse of substances.
  • promote the integration of substance abuse issues into the mainstream of

socioeconomic development programmes.

  • ensure appropriate intervention strategies through awareness raising, education, prevention, early intervention and treatment programmes.
  • promote family and community-based intervention approaches in order to facilitate the social reintegration of abusers.
  • promote partnerships and the participation of all stakeholders at local and provincial level in the fight against illicit substances and abuse.
  • promote regional, national and international cooperation in the management of the illicit supply of drugs and substances of abuse.

The Summit served as a basis for initiating the process for promoting partnerships and the participation of all stakeholders, as well as facilitating cooperation in the management of the illicit supply of drugs and substances of abuse.

2.2The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill

The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill is the result of a legislative review that was undertaken of current legislation that deals with substance abuse, specifically the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act 20/1992. The review was necessary due to the following factors:

•The Act (Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency) is outdated. The substance abuse terrain has changed considerably in the past decade and, as a result of this, the Act is not optimally responsive to current challenges.

•The Act does not contain regulations and it is a challenge, therefore, to delegate at provincial and local government levels.

•The Act does not adequately address the social and health consequences of substance abuse.

•The Act does not make adequate provision for prevention, community based and outpatient services (prevention and treatment).

•The Act does not make adequate provision for ensuring that treatment is accessible to all citizens.

•The Act makes little provision for adequate monitoring and evaluation.

The Bill was published for public comments (the closing date was the 26th February 2007). It is envisaged that the introduction of the new legislation will achieve the following key objectives:

•The provision of a coordinated effort to combat substance abuse.

•The provision of conditions for registration of all programmes, including those in treatment centres and halfway houses.

•The provision of conditions and procedures for the admission of persons to treatment centres and the release of persons from treatment centres.

•The provision of guidelines for early intervention, treatment and reintegration programmes for vulnerable persons.

•The establishment of a research and information management framework in the field of substance abuse.

•The re-establishment of the Central Drug Authority, whose powers and duties are to monitor and oversee the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan.

The Summit served as a platform for creating awareness about the Bill, as well as soliciting input from delegates with regard to the Bill and encouraging them to submit their comments for consideration.

2.3The Need for an Integrated Approach

The complexity of the drug and alcohol abuse problem in the country demands a coordinated and highly integrated approach if the goal of creating a drug free society is to be achieved. There is a need for integration and cooperation across all levels of the continuum for dealing with substance abuse. These include, amongst others:

  • dealing with socio-economic issues and the causes of substance abuse.
  • a reduction in the supply of drugs.
  • prevention of drug abuse (including education and raising awareness).
  • community-based substance abuse prevention.
  • early interventions.
  • drug treatment (including rehabilitation and risk reduction).
  • extensive research.

This Summit provided an official basis for formulating partnerships and encouraging cooperation between diverse stakeholders in order to achieve the objectives of the new Bill and the NDMP.

2.4The Purpose of the Summit

The main purpose of the Summit was to create awareness about the substance abuse problem in South Africa. In understanding the challenges that Government faces in realising the goal of a drug free society, the Summit was convened in order to achieve the following objectives:

  • To provide a platform for policy makers, donors, development agencies, civil society organisations and Government officials to share lessons and experiences in the field of substance abuse.
  • To enhance coordinated activities through collaborative efforts to support the vision of a drug free society.
  • To strengthen mechanisms to implement strategic initiatives that will ensure positive interventions for the vulnerable members of our society.
  • To share and promote current good practices to reduce the harm and address the crime associated with substance abuse.
  • To review progress and identify successes and lessons learnt which will complement the guiding principles as set out in the National Drug Master Plan.

The Summit provided a basis for the identification of strengths and weaknesses of coordinating efforts in relation to combating the supply of and demand for substances of abuse. It also identified those initiatives and efforts that could be shared and implemented collectively. “Mphiri o tee ga o lle” – Unity is strength!

2.5The Structure of the Summit

The structure of the Summit was designed to facilitate group discussions and obtain input from all stakeholders on a number of key issues. Presentations took place in plenary and track choice sessions. Whilst some discussions were undertaken in plenary, the majority of the discussions took place during the track choice sessions.

In order to facilitate more focused discussions on specific subjects, five track choices were selected. Delegates were asked to indicate which track choice session they would like to attend. The track choice sessions were chaired and presenters were drawn from experts in the field. The focus of these sessions was on proven and effective strategies dealing with the following:

  • Demand reduction and prevention strategies: This track focused on initiatives and efforts to implement best practice interventions in relation to prevention, rehabilitation, treatment, aftercare and reintegration.
  • Supply reduction: This track focused on law enforcement, with specific emphasis on the administration of justice and compliance with international instruments and conventions.
  • Community involvement: This track focused on the consideration of available services and resources, with a special emphasis on partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders, committals, diversion programmes, and community-based models and services, as well as the link between supply and demand reduction strategies.
  • Policy and legislative interventions: This track focused on the policy and legislative framework in the field of substance abuse and related areas.
  • Treatment and aftercare: This track focused on increasing awareness about the minimum norms and standards for treatment and aftercare services as a key support intervention for the rehabilitation and recovery of those dependent on substances, as well as looking at expert experiences in the treatment field.

2.6The Conference Report

This comprehensive report is the official output of the 1st Biennial Substance Abuse Summit. The body of this report contains key inputs and discussions during each session of the Summit, including the track choice sessions. In addition, it outlines some of the key recommendations and resolutions that were taken at the Summit and provides a basis for the formulation of future plans to further the objective of forging effective partnerships to combat substance abuse. In all instances, the PowerPoint presentations used by speakers throughout the Summit can be found in the Appendix of this report.