The Central Drug Agency’s (CDA) performance in fighting substance abuse came under scrutiny from Members of Parliament during a joint meeting of the Portfolio Committee Social Development and the Select Committee on Social Services.
The Department of Social Development appeared before the two committees on 12 August to respond to issues raised during the presentation of the CDA’s 2024/25 annual report and the progress report on the review of the National Drug Masterplan. The meeting was jointly chaired by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development (National Assembly), Ms Bridget Masango and the Acting Chairperson of the Select Committee on Social Services (National Council of Provinces) Mr Pat Sibande.
Delivering the opening remarks before the presentation, the Minister of Social Development Ms Dina Pule reaffirmed her department’s commitment to strengthening the governance and accountability of the CDA in response to South Africa’s drug abuse challenges. She noted that this is a complex issue that cannot be addressed by one department; it requires a comprehensive strategy by the whole government and society.
“This matter is of significant public importance, it requires the whole of government and the whole of society to respond. The department is committed to working with all the partners to strengthen the country’s response to drug and substance abuse,” she said.
While the two committees accepted that CDA was a joint initiative of multiple government departments, they were concerned about the contribution of other departments and the lack of evidence of the work of the drug agency in the provinces and local communities. “Where is the evidence of the work of CDA? Have you reached out to schools, provincial, district and local drug action structures? The report does not point out the work of CDA in the provinces,” said committee member, Ms Paulnita Marais.
Other committee members said the discrepancies in the CDA financial expenditure would require investigations, after the agency reported spending for traveling to meetings while it also reported that only virtual meetings were held.
Ms Nazley Khan Sharif said the department’s presentation gave very little evidence that the CDA can demonstrate a reduction in drug and substance abuse in the communities. “The CDA is a mess. There is nothing on the ground, society is not feeling you, people are dying every day from drug abuse. Yourr work must be felt by every local community, but right now there is no measurable impact,” she said.
Chairperson Masango also echoed the committee members’ concern about the presentation’s failure to give a clear assessment of the impact and results of the work of the CDA. The department committed to providing comprehensive report outlining the work of the agency in the provinces and local communities.
Sakhile Mokoena
13 August 2026
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