October 27, 2006
AGM of the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Substance Abuse Forum

On 16 October, Doctors For Life International(DFL) attended the AGM of the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Substance Abuse Forum at Newlands Park Centre, Durban.

Dr Michael Sutcliffe, Durban Metro CEO, was the guest speaker and he addressed a difficult topic: "Substance Abuse, the 2010 World Cup and beyond" Dr Sutcliffe aid that apart from the logistical mountain that has to be dealt with by each of the major cities where stadiums will be built, they also face safety and security challenges.

With substance abuse being one of thee major contributing factors to crime and motor vehicle accidents, prevention should be done now already, in order to avoid new addictions, unnecessary injuries and deaths. This should be done not only to have a pleasant 2010 World Cup but for the better, presently and beyond, of the communities in South Africa as a whole. Substance Abuse prevention should be high on the local and national agenda .

The AGM meeting also included a report back of the past years issues and events by Mr. J Claassen, a DFL representative and the 2006 Chairperson for the forum. Mr Rishi Hiraman from Newlands Park Centre, conducted the treasurers report. Other speakers included, Dr David Bayever, Deputy Chairperson of the Central Drug Authority who gave a brief explanation of the CDA's mandate and role in Substance Abuse. Miss Bhutulezi, a school pupil, dramatized her very own motivational poem.

During the elections, 9 new executive board members were nominated from various different Governmment Departments. We are pleased to announce that DFL's representative Mr J Claassen was re-elected to serve as chairperson of the forum for 2007.

Some of the other attendees included representatives of the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Social Development (Welfare), Department of Community Safety and Liason, Durban Metro Health Dept, Local Drug Action Committees representatives, numerous prevention and treatment centres and NGO's in the KZN. The NGO's included SANCA, Harmony retreat, TNT and South Coast Recovery Centre. There were also 4 CDA members present at the AGM.

For more information pertaining to the AGM please contact +27(0) 32 481 5550