Social Development

Question by: 
Hon Brett Herron
Answered by: 
Hon Jaco Londt
Question Number: 
8
Question Body: 

With reference to the Western Cape Drug Master Plan:

  1. Whether his Department has ensured that every municipality in the province has an active Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) in place; if so, can he provide evidence of local drug action plans (LDAPs) being (a) developed, (b) funded and (c) implemented in each municipality;
  2. (a) what measurable outcomes have been achieved by his Department in addressing substance abuse through municipal-level interventions in (i) the past three years and (ii) high-risk areas, such as the Cape Flats, and (b) how are these outcomes monitored;
  3. (a) how much funding has his Department allocated specifically to support LDACs and to implement the National Drug Master Plan at local government level and (b) what oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure these funds are used effectively?
Answer Body: 
  1. The total number of active LDACS in the Western Cape for 2025 is 16 out of 25 local municipalities. The following 10 LDACs are established, functioning, and have submitted annual reports for 2025:
  • City of Cape Town: Cape Town Alcohol and Drug Action Committee (CTADAC)
  • Theewaterskloof LDAC
  • Swartland LDAC
  • Saldanha LDAC
  • Swellendam LDAC
  • Mosselbay LDAC
  • Hessequa LDAC
  • Stellenbosch LDAC
  • Matzikama LDAC
  • Knysna LDAC

(a) Each of these LDACs are actively involved in implementing their respective action plans, therefore implementing the NDMP 2019-2024 contributing to community-based interventions to reduce drug demand. For example:

  • TWK LDAC: expansion of services in Villiersdorp – WC DSD funded organization (BOWL) applied to expand its services after the municipality identified the need for a treatment programme.
  • Mosselbay LDAC: expansion of services in Mosselbay – WC DSD funded organization (SANCA Garden Route) applied to expand its services after the municipality identified the need for a treatment programme.
  • City of Cape Town has numerous programmes: Matrix Clinics (evidence-based treatment programme at city clinics), Anti-gang unit (addressing supply reduction), strengthening families programme (evidence-based prevention programme); and other interventions which include raising awareness on how to seek help & where through social media platforms.

A further 6 municipalities have established LDACs but have not yet submitted annual reports: 

  • Cape Agulhas
  • Overstrand
  • George
  • Witzenberg
  • Drakenstein
  • Prince Albert (established after 30 June 2025, therefore could not submit AR).

Municipalities which have started to develop Standard Operating Procedures (step one) to establish LDACs:

  • Breede Valley
  • Langeberg
  • Cederberg
  • Oudtshoorn
  • Langberg

Municipalities with no established LDACs:

  • Beaufort West
  • Lainsburg
  • Bergriver
  • Bitou

(b) The Western Cape Department of Social Development does not fund these initiatives.

(c) See response to (a) above.

  1. (a) (i) and (ii) The Department of Social Development renders its own services to address substance use disorders at a local level, together with other provincial government departments. In terms of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, local municipalities have the role of establishing LDACs to help guide and co-ordinate services by the provincial and national spheres, but the legislation does not require municipalities render services of their own. The Western Cape Department of Social Development provides support for LDACs and co-ordination via the Western Cape Substance Abuse Forum (WCSAF), which in turn reports into the Central Drug Authority. This co-ordination structure and services rendered are done in terms of the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024, which provides strategic direction for South Africa’s efforts to address substance use disorders (SUDs). The WCSAF has continuously engaged with Mayors, their municipalities, and their stakeholders to encourage the establishment and functioning of Local Drug Action Committees (LDACs). The WCSAF uses the Western Cape’s LDAC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to provide orientation/capacity building/refresher workshops that give an overview of the Act & the NDMP 2019-2024 to the Mayors and their municipalities. This aligns with the Act's emphasis on a whole of society approach. The WCSAF reports highlight the progressive efforts of these LDACs in adopting the NDMP 2019-2024, despite the limited resources & budget available to them. For example, challenges remain in achieving comprehensive intersectoral collaboration and full departmental engagement. The ongoing efforts to improve these areas, along with planned capacity building workshops / training and increased coordination, demonstrate a commitment by the WC DSD, through the WCSAF & Substance use disorder programme, to fulfil the Act & the NDMP 2019-2024 mandates effectively. Therefore, WC DSD allocates budget to reduce drug demand by funding organizations for prevention, early intervention, treatment – inpatient / community based & aftercare/ recovery.

(b) The details of these services are outlined in the Department’s Annual Report, with audited performance indicators.

  1. (a) The Department of Social Development does not fund LDACs as this is not required (there are minimal running costs associated with LDACs).

(b) Not applicable.

 

Date: 
Friday, October 3, 2025
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