EKURHULENI LAUNCHES LOCAL DRUG ACTION COMMITTEE

The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Ald. Tania Campbell has called for solutions that are based on the realities faced by those affected by drug and substance abuse, and for societal contribution to resolving this scourge which has become one of the most alarming social ills facing society today.
Mayor Campbell was speaking at the launch of the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) at the Germiston Banquet Hall in Germiston on Friday, 29 April.
As part of the launch, the Executive Mayor presented appointment letters to 26 LDAC members who will be the foot soldiers interacting with the community to find solutions to end the scourge of substance abuse.
The City has committed itself to build an environment that supports strong community involvement and public participation to eradicate social ills.
The City of Ekurhuleni will continue to work with partners to deliver drug and substance abuse prevention programmes.
The drugs and substance abuse prevention strategy, shared during the launch, informs the City’s approach to implementing interventions to curtail the use and abuse of drugs in the City.
Below are the pillars:

1. Demand reduction – Assisting those who have been identified as being at risk before they require statutory intervention, rehabilitation or placement in alternative care.
2. Harm reduction – To provide a safety net for those residents who cannot resist the intake of drugs and are now dependent on drugs.
3. Supply reduction – Controlling the distribution of access to drugs and precursor materials.
4. Healing continuum – A range of interventions and supports that enable individuals and families to deal with addiction problems.
5. Sustaining groups – Prevention programmes promote the protective factors that reduce the potential for substance abuse and other closely linked behaviors, such as truancy and delinquency.
6. Capacity building – Efforts the city and its partners will put in place to empower, educate and skill those affected by drug addiction.
7. Advocacy – Achieving social justice and people empowerment calls for service to persons in need and the betterment of social conditions.
   
   Residents in the City affected by the scourage of drug and substance abuse may visit the City’s social workers available at all customer care centres in Ekurhuleni for assistance.
   Alternatively, the community can contact the Local Drug Actions Committee coordinator on 011 (011) 999 2797 or (011) 999 2655 or email Nosipho.Mackay@ekurhuleni.gov.za
   
   For more information, media may contact Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini on 082 573 6464 or zweli.dlamini@ekurhuleni.gov.za
   

Issued by
City of Ekurhuleni
Department; Communications and Brand Management
Address; OR Tambo Government Precinct Building
Corner Cross and Rose Street, Germiston, 1400
Third Floor
Tel; 011 999 0067
Website; www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
Facebook; City of Ekurhuleni
Twitter; @City_Ekurhuleni