Midvaal Local Municipality Launches Local Drug Action Committee to Tackle Rising Substance Abuse Crisis
Midvaal – Midvaal Local Municipality has taken a bold step in the fight against substance abuse by setting up its Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC). The move comes as communities across Gauteng grapple with the growing problem of drug and alcohol misuse, which affects families, youth, and the economy.
On 9 October 2025, Executive Mayor Alderman Peter Teixeira led a special ceremony to appoint the committee, stressing that it is not just a legal duty but a vital effort to save lives. This new group brings together government officials, non-profit organisations, police, and local leaders to create plans that prevent addiction, offer rehab, and support those hit hard by substance dependency. With South Africa facing a substance abuse issue that costs billions each year, Midvaal’s action could inspire real change on the ground.
The launch highlights Midvaal’s promise to build a drug-free area, where people get the help they need to rebuild their lives. As more municipalities in Gauteng follow suit, this could mark a turning point in how local governments handle one of the country’s biggest social challenges.
Background on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act
The LDAC follows the rules set out in Chapter 10, Section 60 of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (Act 70 of 2008). This law requires municipalities to form these committees to lead community efforts against drug and alcohol problems. The act focuses on stopping substance use before it starts, providing treatment for those already affected, and helping families cope. It pushes for teamwork between local governments, health services, and communities to make sure responses fit the area’s needs.
In Midvaal, this means creating strategies that spot early signs of abuse, run awareness campaigns, and link people to rehab centres. The act also calls for monitoring progress to see what works and what does not, ensuring money and efforts go where they count most.
Details of the Launch and Committee Setup
The ceremony on 9 October 2025 brought together Midvaal’s top leaders, including Members of the Mayoral Committee, to officially name the LDAC members. The group includes experts from various fields: government departments for policy support, non-profits for on-the-ground help, law enforcement to crack down on supply, and community voices to keep things real and relevant.
Mayor Teixeira spoke passionately about the committee’s role. “Too many lives depend on the success of this initiative. It must not become a tick-box exercise but a living, functioning structure that gives hope to those trapped in addiction,” he said. He called Midvaal a caring place committed to backing the LDAC fully. The municipality plans to roll out prevention programmes, rehab support, and family counselling, all tailored to local issues like youth unemployment and easy access to drugs.
The Growing Substance Abuse Challenge in South Africa
Substance abuse is a massive problem in South Africa, with 15% of the population facing drug issues that cost the country R20 billion a year. In Gauteng, where Midvaal sits, things are especially tough due to urban pressures and high youth numbers. Recent reports show adults with substance disorders often deal with anxiety or depression too, making recovery harder.
Among young people, the stats are alarming: 33% of those under 18 have tried alcohol, and 8% have used cannabis. The UNODC’s World Drug Report 2025 warns of rising drug markets in Africa, including South Africa, driven by instability and new supply routes. These trends hit communities hard, leading to more crime, broken families, and health crises like HIV from needle sharing.
Midvaal’s LDAC aims to cut these risks by focusing on education in schools, job skills for at-risk youth, and stronger policing of drug dealers. By working with health pros, they hope to spot problems early and guide people to treatment before things get worse.
Similar Initiatives in Gauteng Municipalities
Midvaal is not alone in this fight. Other Gauteng areas have set up LDACs too, showing a regional push against substance abuse. Ekurhuleni launched its committee in 2022 to run prevention programmes and partner with locals. In Edenvale and Bedfordview, a new LDAC started in March 2025, teaming up with stakeholders to tackle community-specific issues.
Tshwane offers services through its Drug and Substance Abuse Subsection, focusing on prevention, treatment, and rehab at community levels. Johannesburg plans more committees soon, while Lenasia has one linked to child protection efforts. These groups share ideas and resources, making the battle against drugs stronger across the province.
Gauteng’s Department of Social Development held sessions in September 2025 to review its substance abuse strategy, calling for better teamwork. With only 10% of mayors having active LDACs nationwide, Midvaal’s launch sets a good example for others.
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