​​IMPROVED DATA COLLECTION TO TACKLE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Cuma Pantshwa 

• The Department of Social Development, alongside stakeholders, commemorated World No Alcohol Day in Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, addressing the growing crisis of substance abuse in South Africa and its detrimental impact on society.
• As part of its efforts, the department launched a Substance Abuse Digital System aimed at improving data management, service delivery, and the effectiveness of treatment centres nationwide.
• By modernising its approach with digital tools and integrating insights from various government systems, the department aims to enhance its ability to address substance abuse, implement targeted interventions, and support those affected by addiction.

South Africa faces a significant substance abuse crisis. On Thursday, the Minister of Social Development commemorated World No Alcohol Day in Sweetwaters, KZN, alongside various stakeholders, urging community members to confront the dangerous impact of substance abuse on the social fabric of society. Stakeholders stressed the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in designing integrated drug policies that prioritise the needs of individuals affected by substance use, affirming their commitment to change the current trajectory.

As part of its efforts to combat this scourge and promote a healthier society, the Department of Social Development, with support from the Integrated Justice System (IJS), introduced a Substance Abuse Digital System to improve data filing and enhance administration and reporting within its treatment centres. Piloted between 2022 and 2023 in select centres, the system will be rolled out across all nine provinces by 2025.

The DSD also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various government departments to implement the National Integrated Social Protection Information System (NISPIS), aimed at improving data management and service delivery. By integrating 15 IJS systems, the DSD can interface with government data, enabling a deeper understanding of citizens’ needs and facilitating more targeted interventions. This digital transformation empowers social service professionals (SSPs) to move from paper-based methods to a digital platform, significantly enhancing the department’s capacity to address substance abuse issues nationwide.

The new system will enable the DSD to:

• Identify high-risk areas and populations
• Develop targeted interventions and treatment programmes
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and initiatives
• Inform evidence-based decision-making.

“Modernisation greatly enhances the department’s ability to meet the needs of its constituents. The South African government has long been at the forefront of societal transformation and development,” explained Mr. Unathi Ngumla, IJS Portfolio Manager. He highlighted that the IJS programme is shaped by various legislations and Acts of Parliament, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in delivering services to communities.

The system will also integrate data from other sources such as the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU), Service Quality Measures (SOM), and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Ms Mapaseka Nkhethoa, Director of Systems Development and Maintenance at the DSD, noted that this platform would allow treatment centre managers to view aggregated data on drug usage trends in their areas.

While the digital system offers improved service efficiency, challenges such as privacy, AI’s role, and cybersecurity remain concerns for social work professionals. To address these, the system’s access is protected by unique usernames and passwords for authorised personnel, and data security is ensured in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of 2013.

Future phases of the system will include additional benefits, such as:

• Providing social auxiliary workers access to the system for referrals and down-referral functionality to support home-based care for recovering users;
• Improved centre administration, including access to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance-related information.

The IJS has already supported the DSD in critical areas, including child protection, elder care, and the fight against gender-based violence. “The National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) aims to create a South Africa free from substance abuse. This modernisation effort is a crucial step towards that goal. By harnessing the power of technology, the DSD is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by substance abuse,” concluded Mr. Ngumla.