Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango, has called for urgent reform of the Central Drug Authority (CDA) to make it an independent advisory body, citing significant challenges and a lack of institutional support. Masango expressed concern over reported cases of non-payment of social grants to beneficiaries during the verification process, which is currently underway.
Addressing the media on Monday, Masango highlighted the need for reform, stating that the CDA is seriously constrained from fully implementing its critical mandate due to numerous challenges. She noted that South Africa faces significant challenges in terms of the illegal drug market, with cannabis, tik (meth), heroin, and cocaine being the most prominent, and alcohol consumption remaining high, contributing to significant social issues.
CDA Faces Numerous Challenges
Despite its critical mandate, the CDA is facing poor institutional support, capacity issues at the National Development Agency, and the National Treasury’s directive to verify social grant beneficiaries. Masango stated that the Department of Social Development (DSD) knew that the CDA Board’s five-year term would end in March 2026 but did not put measures in place in time.
The CDA reported to the committee that its financial expenditure was developed by DSD without its involvement, resulting in an alarming over-expenditure of R2.2 million (131.88%) in 2023/2024 and R3.8 million (157.45%) in 2024/2025. The CDA distanced itself from this expenditure, stating that it is expected to account for expenditure when it has no control over procurement or service providers.
Need for Urgent Reform
Masango emphasized the need for urgent reform to make the CDA an independent advisory body, not only for the Department of Social Development but for all government departments and stakeholders involved in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. She added that while the National Treasury imposed stringent conditions on SASSA to eliminate fraud, ghost beneficiaries, and payment of social grants to ineligible beneficiaries, the committee remains concerned about reported cases of beneficiaries not receiving their grants.
Some of the key concerns and challenges facing the CDA include:
- Poor institutional support
- Capacity issues at the National Development Agency
- Lack of control over procurement or service providers
- Over-expenditure of R2.2 million and R3.8 million in 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, respectively
For more information on the Central Drug Authority and its mandate, visit the Department of Social Development website. The committee’s concerns and recommendations can be found on the Parliament of South Africa website.
