TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR CDA DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON RACHEL MOTSEPE

By DSD News.

• Tribute to a Leader – Minister Sisisi Tolashe mourns the passing of Mrs. Rachel Motsepe – CDA Deputy Chairperson.
• Motsepe dedicated her career to community development and substance abuse prevention.
• Recognised Achiever – She received multiple awards, including UJ’s Community Engagement Champion.

Pretoria, 23 July 2025 – The Minister of Social Development, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe, has conveyed heartfelt condolences to Motsepe’s family, friends, and colleagues, describing her as “a dedicated servant whose life’s work leaves an indelible mark on South Africa’s fight against substance abuse.”
Mrs Motsepe was appointed to the Central Drug Authority (CDA) in April 2021, where she served as a member and Deputy Chairperson, in addition to her role on the Project Portfolio Committee for Social Development. During her tenure, she demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing the objectives of the National Drug Master Plan—South Africa’s five-year strategic framework aimed at reducing substance abuse through comprehensive measures encompassing prevention, treatment, and supply control.

A Lifetime of Service and Impact

Mrs Motsepe’s dedication to community development was not confined to her role at the CDA. She tirelessly championed social justice and inclusion, serving as a Project Coordinator for the Women’s National Coalition, a Facilitator at the Vista University Centre for Cognitive Development, and a Programme Officer for the Christian Children’s International Fund. Her work expanded to academia and public health, where she served as a Community Engagement Liaison Specialist at the University of Johannesburg and as a Senior Community Development Practitioner at SANCA under the City of Tshwane’s Drug and Substance Abuse Programme.
Her dedication to education and social impact also saw her serve as an Academic Sociology Tutor at the University of Pretoria.

Honoured for Her Contributions

Motsepe’s efforts did not go unnoticed. She was the recipient of the University of Johannesburg Recognition Award for Community Engagement and held an Honorary Rotary Club Membership, awarded by Rotary Africa Magazine, for her outstanding work in service to others.
A Pillar in Substance Abuse Prevention
The CDA, established under the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008, is mandated to advise and coordinate functions related to the control of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in South Africa. Through her leadership, Mrs Motsepe strengthened collaboration between the Department of Social Development, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners to address the country’s substance abuse challenges.

A Profound Loss

In paying tribute, Minister Tolashe reflected on Motsepe’s invaluable contribution:
“On behalf of the Social Development family, I extend our deepest condolences to the Motsepe family and everyone whose lives she touched. Her leadership within the CDA created vital partnerships that advanced our mission to combat alcohol and substance abuse. She will be remembered for her dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to building a better South Africa.”
As the country bids farewell to a passionate advocate for community development, her legacy remains etched in the lives she transformed and the systems she strengthened.