Hon Deputy Speaker, the Central Drug Authority, CDA, is a statutory body as the committee report reflects. It was established in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act, Act No 20 of 1992, as amended. It consists of 12 members and it advises the Minister of Social Development.
The overall goal of the CDA is to ensure that there is a measurable reduction in substance abuse. The consequence of this is to see a reduction in social ills like poverty, HIV/Aids, gangsterism and sex work. The outcome is therefore to ensure that there is an improved quality of lifeas envisaged the integrated National and Provincial Drug Master Plans and Reports.
Let me highlight a few matters of public importance. The report covers all the major achievements of the national departments as well as provincial departments. Of note is the high number of arrests to reduce the supply, distribution and use of illicit substances and also to address the gang problem in our communities throughout South Africa.
What we have seen in our oversight is the use of children as couriers and merchants, which is a growing concern. This phenomenon is increasing. We saw it in Eldorodo Park and we saw the flare-up of gang wars in Cape Town. The issue of gansterism should be addressed developmentally. It's no use bringing in the army. You have to address the issue of gangsterism holistically. That is why the Eldorodo Park model is a very good model to replicate throughout the country.
In terms of the committee's recommendations it has been resolved that the National Drug Master Plan should be finalised, and it has been finalised; that the Eldorodo Park antisubstance outreach model should be rolled out to other drug-infested towns, and we have seen that; and we also said that the Department of Social Development, with provinces and Treasury, should ensure that we have more rehabilitation centres throughout the country. We hope that the Minister will bring us that good news in the next Budget Vote. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
There was no debate.