It may plan, co-ordinate and promote measures relating to the prevention and combating of the abuse of drugs and the treatment of persons who were dependent on drugs in accordance with the National Drug Master Plan. The CDA also arranges conferences/summits relating to combating substance abuse in South Africa. It oversees and monitors the activities of 16 national departments and their entities. It also ensures effective liaison with the Provincial Substance Abuse Forums and the Local Drug Action Committees.