The Central Drug Authority (CDA) is a statutory body appointed in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Dependency Act (No. 20 of 1992 as amended) by the Minister of Social Development. In April 2006, the Deputy Minister of Social Development inaugurated the new CDA members.

The Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (No. 20 of 1992) tasks the CDA to

• Carry out (draw up and implement) the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP);
• Advise the Minister on any matter affecting the abuse of drugs;
• Plan, coordinate and promote measures for the prevention and combating of drug abuse and the treatment of persons dependent on drugs in accordance with the NDMP;
• Arrange conferences on matters concerning the CDA;
• Exercise such powers and perform such duties as the Minister may determine from time to time.

The Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act also requires the CDA to report annually to Parliament through the Minister on its activities. The activities of the CDA are guided by the NDMP, a plan approved by Parliament covering a five-year period and by the CDA Business Plan. The first NDMP covered the period 2000-2004. The second, carried out by the CDA after its implementation in April 2006, covers the period 2006-2011. The current NDMP 2006-2011 was approved by Cabinet in October 2006.

There is an executive committee which meets monthly and three other committees namely Governance, Research and Database Development, and Marketing and Communication. The CDA and these committees are supported by the Secretariat in the Department of Social Development.

The CDA is comprised of 12 nominated experts in the field of substance abuse, who are selected by the Minister of Social Development, and appointed for a five year period. In order to achieve a well co-ordinated approach nominated representatives from 12 National Government Departments and 2 entities are also appointed to the CDA. The National Drug Master Plan also requires that a Provincial Forum be formed in each of the provinces and this supporting structure is responsible for the establishment of a Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) in each municipality. The LDAC comprises representatives of all stakeholders associated with substance abuse at a local level.

The strategic principles identified as areas of attention involve defining holistic, cost-effective measures to reduce the effects of drugs on individuals and society, their supply, demand and consumption. There is a need to reverse or counter the effect not only on the individual but also on society as a whole and advance the potential for recovery and reintegration of individuals back into society.