Master of ceremonies and Acting Director-General, Mr Linton Mchunu
Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Hon. Mr Mondli Gungubele
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs Henriette Bogopane – Zulu in absentia
MEC of Social Development in Gauteng, Ms Morakane Mosupye
Executive Mayor City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality - Cllr Mzwandile Masina
United Nations Representative: Ms Zhuldyz Akisheva
Chairperson and Members of the Central Drug Authority (CDA)
Colleagues, Comrades and friends
Ladies and Gentlemen 

I am delighted today to be part of this auspicious occasion to officially inaugurate the new members of the CDA. This occasion comes at the right time, after many months if not years of diligent work. This inauguration happened after the 64th Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND) session that commenced from 12 April 2021 and concluded on 16 April 2021. The CND purpose is to combat the World Drug Problem through the evidence – based interventions and collaboration between Member States. 

In my capacity, as the Minister of Social Development, I have looked forward to this day, because I am concerned about the devastating impact of the scourge of COVID- 19 pandemic, Gender Based –Violence (GBV), alcohol and substance abuse in the country. The biggest problem we have in the country is the legal substances such as alcohol and cannabis/dagga. These challenges are increasing and affect the majority of the young people who are the future of South Africa. We are living in the new normal contributed by the scourge of COVID – 19 pandemic. The impact of the scourge of these aforementioned challenges has already ravaged the institutions of higher learning; and the country, including the global sphere. 

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