NATIONAL ASSEMBLY : 24th June 2008

 

Madam Speaker 

I have to admit that until I read research documentation on substance abuse, I had no idea of the magnitude of the problems facing us, nor the prevalence of substance abuse among children and adolescents.  Before dealing with the Bill, I would like to share some of the information with you.  

A 2006 study showed at 25.95% male students in Grade 8 had used alcohol in the preceding 30 days, 17.2% cannabis.  Furthermore, the current ever-increasing use of cheap, readily available methamphetamine, commonly referred to as TIK, increased between 2003 and 2004 from 121 patients to 376.  Here we are using patients to demonstrate that, within a period of 6 months, the trebling of patient load.  We understand that these percentages have continued to increase dramatically.

In a country where we have a high level of criminality, it has been established that 6 out of every 10 arrestees in Cape Town (2000), tested positive for an illegal drug.  Subsequent studies in three Metros confirm the connection between substance abusers and crime.  

These horrific statistics, supplied by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Unit the MRC, demonstrate even to lay people the huge problem we face, not only in the Western Cape where most of the research was conducted , but also in other Provinces, albeit to a slightly lesser degree.  

 The MRC offers constructive guidance as to how to address this huge problem and we believe that this Bill will, if fully implemented, provide the framework for constructive engagement with our youth, not only in terms of prevention and rehabilitation but also a reduction of risky behaviour.  We need to note that in the first sentence of the Memorandum on the Objects of the Bill it is stated and I quote, "a concerted effort is required from the three tiers of government and civil society to strive towards a drug-free society".   

Before anything else, community awareness campaigns in schools, churches and youth organisations.  This has to be an ongoing commitment if we are really serious of engaging our youth in accepting a change of behaviour.
 

Underlying so many of the frustrations of young people is the lack of employment opportunities and we feel that Local Government should play a key role in engaging the affected youth on this issue and provide alternatives.
 

Recreational sports facilities can play a big part in redirecting young peoples' energy.  

I also want to thank the Chair and the Committee and Department as well as the representatives of organisations active in the field for the many hours of scrutiny and debate that took place.  Together they produced legislation that hopefully will not only pass the test of time, but provide the instruments to deal with the global problems of substance abuse which undermine all accepted societal norms. 

The IFP supports the Bill.

Thank you. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Ms Inka Mars MP 

083 303 6037