Mmusakgotla, batlotlegi, babusi ba lefatshe le magosi otlhe a a seong fano ... [Chairperson, hon members, world rulers and all traditional leaders who are not present here ...]
... hon Kgarebe is back on the podium to speak on behalf of the committee on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill. Let me just give you a brief background to this Bill. Substance abuse in South Africa is high and without doubt affects many aspects of society and hinders the country's social development. Substance abuse has also been associated with a number of other high-risk behaviours.
It is thus crucial for government and other stakeholders to be responsive and make efforts to have a drug-free society.
I would like you to be attentive, to listen to this Bill. The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill seeks to provide for a comprehensive national response in combating substance abuse. The Bill proposes the establishment of mechanisms that are aimed at demand and harm reduction. These would be in the form of prevention, early intervention, treatment and reintegration programmes and community-based services.
The Bill aims to provide for a co-ordinated effort to combat substance abuse; the registration and establishment of all programmes and services, including community-based services and those provided in treatment centres and halfway houses; conditions and procedures for the admission of persons to treatment centres and the release of persons from treatment centres; and early intervention, treatment and reintegration programmes for vulnerable persons.
With regard to key aspects of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill, I think it is important for me to mention certain chapters, on behalf of the committee. Chapter 2 of the Bill covers regulations on combating substance abuse, whereby departments and organs of state must, through multisectoral strategies, take reasonable measures within the scope of line functions and resources to develop and co-ordinate interventions to combat substance abuse; and utilise three categories of interventions to combat substance abuse, inter alia, demand reduction, which is aimed at discouraging the onset of use and abuse of substances.
I am now continuing with Chapter 3. I mention these chapters because I know that you do not learn much, so now you can at least grasp something chapter by chapter! [Laughter.] Guidelines on the provision of services, including recognition of needs, access to information and protection of the rights of service users, are provided.
There is provision for the aspects of demand and harm reduction caused by substance abuse, namely, prevention, which includes skills development, public education, promotion of a healthy lifestyle and prevention of use or higher levels of abuse. It touches on early intervention, which entails risky behaviour; and diversion and referral to appropriate interventions and treatment, which entails psychosocial and medical interventions for users and those affected, and preparation for reintegration into society.
There are norms and standards which all service providers need to comply with, and ministerial support for services delivered by service providers. I would like all members in this Chamber to listen to what I say because some members are talking whilst I'm speaking. [Interjections.] I'll only mention some important things in Chapter 4: to preserve and strengthen family relationships; promote the wellbeing of service users; educate service users and the public on the risks associated with substance abuse - I would like to emphasise "educate service users and the public on the risks associated with substance abuse" - promote healthy lifestyles; educate families about early warning signs and appropriate interventions; and identify, screen and refer substance abusers for early interventions.
I'll mention only a few things in Chapter 5. The Bill provides for community-based services, thus requiring the Minister to develop guidelines in consultation with listed organs of state for the establishment of community-based services, which include prevention, early intervention and life skills programmes. Don't worry, I'm about to finish! [Laughter.]
I'll mention only one point in Chapter 6. The Bill provides for centre- based services as well as outpatient services. According to this section of the Bill, the Minister has the power to prescribe and establish integrated aftercare and reintegration programmes, which must focus on the successful reintegration of service users into society, the workforce, family and community life. It's not final.
Order, please! Hon members, you are out of order.
Again, the Bill further states that such programmes must allow service users to be able to interact with other service users, their families and communities; allow service users to share long-term sobriety experience; be well structured and based on individual plans; and promote HIV prevention programmes, with a particular focus on relapsing substance abusers.
I am now coming to the end. [Applause.] The Bill also provides for the establishment of support groups to assist service users to maintain abstinence after drug interventions through the provision of a safe and substance-abuse-free environment and access to recovered users to serve as role models - with such support groups being established by a professional, NGO or a group of service users or persons affected by substance abuse.
Last but not least, Chapter 9 deals with discipline in treatment centres, halfway houses, outpatient and community-based facilities so that they are maintained properly. Remember, I am here on behalf of the committee and I think I should represent them fully and with respect. [Applause.] The committee supports the Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]
Order! Thank you, hon member, for using your ten minutes in full. [Laughter.]
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Bill be agreed to.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
ABSTAIN: Gauteng, Limpopo.
Bill accordingly agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.