Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has called for renewed commitment and action in the fight against drugs and substance abuse, as the world marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In 1987, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme for 2013 is ‘Make health your new high in life, not drugs’.
South Africa takes the matter so seriously that fighting drug abuse has become the key focus of the 2013 Youth Month programme, under the theme, ‘Working together for youth development and a drug free South Africa’.
"We urge the youth to join in the campaign to eradicate drug and substance abuse. Let each and every member in the society be a champion against drug abuse and trafficking in their own localities,'' said Zuma.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, Zuma has instructed government departments to work with all spheres and communities to arrest the demand and supply as well as ensure the provision of treatment and assistance to the affected.
"We have heard the cries of many families around the country. Drug and substance abuse have serious implications for millions of South Africans because the consumption and abuse contributes to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, family dysfunction and other social problems...”
The President added that the police were playing their part and were continuing to raid drug dens and illegal liquor outlets as instructed.
"Communities must come forward with information so that we eradicate this scourge completely,'' said Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za
