When we assumed office a year ago, Cabinet identified a critical need for a comprehensive strategy to combat substance abuse in the province. We realised that our initiatives to reduce crime, provide better schooling and healthcare, improve social cohesion and create jobs through economic growth would be severely hampered unless we were able to curb drug and alcohol abuse. This would require a different, more focused approach.
The plan we are announcing today will be driven from the Premier's Office and implemented across provincial government departments in an integrated way. It is the most comprehensive policy response of its kind in the country.
The scale of drug and alcohol abuse in the province reached crisis proportions some years ago.
For detailed speech of the Premier Ms Helen Zille please click here
