20070607substance

Date: 2007-06-07 to Invalid date

ISS/CPLO Roundtable Discussion: Substance Abuse Draft Bill: `Are the intentions and the contents of the proposed South African draft legislation in line with what is needed to combat the drug problem in South Africa?`
Cape Town, 7 June 2007

 

Drug abuse is on the rise in South Africa and it can be argued that this permeates many aspects of society and hinders South Africa’s prospects for development. Since drug abuse may lead to violent crime, domestic abuse and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases to name but a few consequential outcomes, drug abuse has far-reaching implications for everyone. It is within this context that the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) have the pleasure of inviting you to a roundtable discussion on the Substance Abuse Draft Bill. 

 

The proposed Draft Bill aims to tackle substance abuse through preventative strategies of early intervention, treatment and reintegration. It presents guidelines for the establishment of treatment facilities and the committal of substance abusers thereafter. It also makes provision for the creation of a research and information management framework and for the formation of a Central Drug Authority. The Bill will supplement the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act of 1992.

 

Is there a need for the proposed draft bill? What does this legislation expect to achieve? Will minimum norms and standards at treatment facilities ensure that drug abuse is tackled more effectively? How will this affect rising levels of drug abuse in South Africa more generally? Are there other provisions that should be made to tackle drug abuse? How will a Central Drug Authority make a positive impact in combating drug abuse? 

 

The roundtable discussion aims to debate these issues and provide a clearer understanding of what the draft bill really entails.  The roundtable will take place on 7 June 2007 at CPLO, 12 Bouquet Street, Cape Town, starting with tea at 09h30 and ending with lunch at 13h00. An agenda will be sent out closer to the time.

 

Please confirm your attendance and dietary requirements by no later than 25 May 2007 with Ms Nobuntu Mtwa, Programme Administrator: Organised Crime and Money Laundering Programme, Institute for Security Studies. Telephone: 021-461 7211 or email: [email protected].