Johannesburg - The days of dodging jail time by paying a fine after drunken driving will soon be a thing of the past as government gets tough on offenders.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Substance Abuse wants the law to be enforced to its full might to curb the habit of people getting behind the wheel after drinking. It will also push for strong sentences, which include jail time rather than fines, to be imposed on those who drink and drive.
"The laws should make a person not wish to drink and drive," Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said on Wednesday.
She was speaking at the launch of the campaign against substance abuse and illegal drug trade. The campaign takes government's efforts to clamp down on substance abuse by not only warning people about its consequences, but by ensuring that the people are accountable to the law.
Dlamini said the nation should act collectively to stamp out drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
"The national anti-substance abuse campaign seeks to focus clearly on the danger that substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking pose to our country, particularly to the youth, families and society as a whole.
"We want South Africans from all walks of life to buy into the ... campaign to rid communities of the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse," said the minister.
Established in November, the IMC helps to support the campaign which drives government's message of healthier lifestyles. The committee will also look at placing a monotorium on the issuing of licences for alcohol trade.
Echoing Dlamini's sentiments, the department's Deputy Minister Maria Ntuli said: "We must take drastic steps and charge people so that they know that if you have a shebeen next to the school, you will be charged. We need to send a message out there that we need South Africa to be free from drugs and alcohol."
Research shows that the majority of the population affected by drug use, illicit trafficking and their negative fallout are young people.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the department will continue the fight against substance abuse. "We will stop advertisement and ensure strict regulations on alcohol, like we did with smoking."
Another dynamic in substance abuse has arisen in SA. It is reported that some ARVs are used in a drug mix called 'whoonga.'
"We will try to speak with (scientists) about the possibility of removing the drug without affecting the battle against HIV and Aids," said Motsoaledi.
Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe said the department will remind traders of their responsibilities regarding licencing and compliance.
The IMC comprises of government departments including Health, Basic Education, Higher Education and Training, Correctional Services, Social Development, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, Economic Development as well as Soul City.
