DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO TACKLE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND RESTORE COMMUNITIES

By Staff Writer

• Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks told delegates at the CDA Biennial Summit that substance abuse continues to deepen social harm and remains closely linked to Gender Based Violence and Femicide.
• He urged South Africans to restore the Ubuntu philosophy in community responses, describing human connection as the country’s “real power” in social development.
• Hendricks called on partners to translate the summit’s recommendations into implementation, noting that the National Drug Master Plan must now move from policy to concrete action.

In a compelling address to delegates at the Central Drug Authority’s (CDA) 4th Biennial Substance Abuse Summit, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, emphasised that South Africa’s fight against substance use disorders demands unity, urgency and a renewed commitment to human dignity.

Speaking to researchers, practitioners, government partners and civil society representatives gathered for the two-day summit, the Deputy Minister described the assembled group as “the frontline in our battle against substance abuse,” noting that their collective expertise is vital to reversing the devastating effects of addiction in communities across the country.

Reflecting on the significance of the gathering, he said the presence of delegates “was a profound and immediate statement” that society remains determined to confront the scourge of substance abuse and find sustainable solutions that protect families and rebuild communities.

Ubuntu at the centre of social development

Drawing a link between global commitments and local realities, the Deputy Minister reflected on the G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted in Johannesburg days before the CDA meeting. He noted that the final declaration highlighted the priorities of tackling global inequality, driving inclusive growth and strengthening multilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on Africa and the Global South.

He said he was particularly moved by the declaration’s affirmation of the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which reminds the world that individual nations cannot thrive in isolation.

“South Africa’s competitive edge is authentic human connection,” he said, adding that global delegates praised the kindness and warmth shown to them by ordinary South Africans.

“This is the very essence of social development. The work you do in treatment, counselling and community support is the implementation of that human connection.”

He emphasised that the fight against substance abuse is inseparable from the broader effort to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide, which remains a national crisis frequently intensified by alcohol and drug abuse.

Summit insights and a roadmap for progress

The Deputy Minister commended the Central Drug Authority and its programme committee for convening an inclusive and robust summit programme that allowed for deep engagement across multiple sectors.

He acknowledged:

• the broad and diverse stakeholder attendance
• the carefully structured themes and breakaway sessions
• the honest feedback and constructive criticism offered
• and the concrete recommendations that emerged as a roadmap for strengthening the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP).

“These reports and recommendations provide a realistic roadmap to take the NDMP forward,” he said.

He encouraged delegates to treat the summit not as an endpoint, but as a catalyst for coordinated action across government and civil society.

From global commitments to local action

Hendricks reminded participants that South Africa’s efforts to combat substance abuse align with global priorities agreed to at the G20 Summit, particularly solidarity, equality, and sustainability. He noted that the country’s partners from Africa, Latin America and Asia face similar social challenges and share a collective responsibility to build resilient societies.

“Our work, from the rollout of the National Drug Master Plan to support for individuals and families living with SUDs, is a direct expression of the G20’s commitment to building inclusive and resilient communities,” he said.

He emphasised that addressing substance abuse also means strengthening responses to GBVF, supporting shelters, and ensuring health interventions reach those most in need.

A call to action

The Deputy Minister urged delegates to translate the spirit of Ubuntu into concrete action within communities, saying that South Africa’s warmth, humanity and shared sense of responsibility must be the foundation of its social development efforts.

“When we fight addiction and support families, we strengthen the very social fabric that impressed the world,” he said.

“Let us view these two days as the CDA’s operational phase, and the work that follows as the implementation phase.”

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to embed Ubuntu into service delivery, policy implementation and community support.

“By drawing upon the ubuntu-mindedness of our people, we can deliver the healing and transformative power of our social policies,” he said.