The outcome of the ANCs long-awaited KwaZulu-Natal conference was a win for the Thuma Mina crowd. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
JOHANNESBURG, May 31 (ANA) – The Gauteng provincial government on Tuesday announced the implementation of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act which could see drug addicts involuntarily committed to treatment centres via court order.
During a walk-about in Hillbrow, Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said: “We will as from today, in terms of this Act, investigate and refer alleged drug addicts for treatment and aftercare.”
The law sets out the procedure to be followed before a person can be compelled to attend treatment for substance abuse.
“Before a court inquiry can be opened, it is necessary to obtain a sworn statement. A person such as a close friend/relative or social worker that knows the respondent and is well acquainted with his or her drinking or drug habits makes sworn statements. This affidavit should contain incidents of and dates covering approximately the last four to six months up to the date of the affidavit. The original affidavit is handed in to the court as essential documentary evidence.”
Mayathula-Khoza said the process required that her department work closely with the department of justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) who would assist them to spread information to families who wanted to benefit from this law.
“We will continue to focus on intake assessment and voluntary referrals of those who might need treatment services. We have stakeholders from the Criminal Justice Cluster (SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Justice). The Gauteng Department of Community Safety, City of Johannesburg and SANCA [South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence] are part of this campaign to ensure that this assistance is sustainable.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
Disclaimer: This story is pulled directly from the African News Agency wire, and has not been edited by Mail & Guardian staff. The M&G does not accept responsibility for errors in any statement, quote or extract that may be contained therein.