Publication for comment: Draft Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill

Publication for comment: Draft Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill

The Minister of Social Development intends introducing the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill in Parliament during 2007.

Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the proposed draft Bill to the Director-General: Social Development, Private Bag X901, Pretoria, 0001, fax number (012) 3127888 or e-mail: connyn@socdev.gov.za  (for attention: Ms Connie Nxumalo), within 21 days of the date of publication of this notice.

The aim of the draft Bill is to replace the outdated Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act, 1992 ( Act No. 20 of 1992 ).

The draft Bill envisages to -

(a) ensure a coordinated effort to reduce the supply and demand of substances of abuse;
(b) regulate the establishment, registration and management of treatment centres, in- and outpatient services, community-based services and halfway houses;
(c) promote research and information management in the field of substance abuse; and
(d) establish a Central Drug Authority to monitor and oversee the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan.

Copies of the draft Bill can be obtained from Ms Connie Nxumalo Department of Social Development, 7th Floor, HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Tel: (012) 312-7448.
The draft Bill is also available on the Department of Social Development’s website: www.socdev.gov.za

Download the draft bill here: Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill