Dr Zweli Mkhize Launches Kwazulu-natal Anti-substance Abuse Forum

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and his Cabinet today launched the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Anti-Substance Abuse Forum at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall.

“We meet today, a few days before we begin March, the month which the democratic government declared as the Human Rights Month. The democratic government has put in place programmes to promote and protect human rights of every citizen.”

“Sections 10 to 12(1) of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), grants citizens the right to have their dignity respected and protected, the right to life, and the right to freedom and security.”

“The freedom, security and human rights of ordinary members of society cannot be guaranteed if there is an increase in the brutal crime associated with substance abuse. Although crime statistics from police show a substantial decline, substance abuse related crimes have shown a steady increase.”

“As we launch this forum today, I am calling upon all leaders of society: members of cabinet, heads of departments, mayors, municipal managers, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and non-governmental organisations to show leadership and be at the forefront of the fight to eradicate substance abuse from our society”

“Illicit drug trafficking occurs in the community and in most cases criminals who are involved are our neighbours. Some are masterminds who drive flashy cars and are respected in the community. Critically, young people are recruited by these masterminds for housebreakings, shoplifting, armed robberies and car hijackings. The arrest of kingpins in Chatsworth shows that working together, we can make an impact.”

“The sad part is that we often get reports of youngsters from KZN who get...