South Africans spent R7.7 billion on alcohol during the festive season, from December 25, 2024, to January 1, 2025, revealing a significant part of the country’s ongoing battle with substance abuse. Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Henricks, discussed the growing crisis of drug and alcohol abuse, addressing the Social Development portfolio committee on Wednesday.
Henricks stated that one out of every five adults in South Africa abuses mind-altering substances, with alcohol, painkillers like codeine, and dagga being the most common. This follows data from the South African Society of Psychiatrists, which points to the rising number of individuals using substances to cope with stress and other societal challenges.
The financial cost of alcohol abuse alone has reached alarming figures. According to a 2014 study published in the South African Medical Journal, alcohol-related issues cost the nation approximately R37.9 billion annually—around 10% of the GDP—due to absenteeism, lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and alcohol-fueled crime. These issues are also tied to other social problems, including gender-based violence and femicide.
Henricks also shared the latest findings from the 2023/2024 annual report from the Central Drug Authority, which highlighted the efforts being made by national departments and local communities to fight the growing drug problem. Among the key initiatives is the Prevention and Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Policy, recently approved by the Cabinet, which aims to strengthen the country’s response to substance abuse by updating outdated laws and addressing emerging trends.
Additionally, the Department of Social Development has started the process of forming an interministerial committee focused on addressing substance abuse in South Africa. Henricks stressed that the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024 continues to be implemented across various sectors to reduce the demand, supply, and harm caused by drugs and alcohol, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
