Coalition urges health approach to personal drug use

A national coalition advocating for the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use was launched at Sediba Church Community Hall in Pretoria on June 26.

According to the Vusubuntu Coalition, which organised the event, South Africa should treat drug use as a health and social issue rather than a criminal offence.

It is a South African initiative advocating for the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use through approaches grounded in human rights, public health, dignity and the African philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’. It said every person deserves to be visible, valued and treated as a full member of society.

The coalition said it will pursue its objectives by bringing together organisations, researchers, lawyers, healthcare practitioners, and people with lived experience to advocate for drug policy reform grounded in human rights, public health and dignity.

It said this collective approach aims to strengthen advocacy efforts while advancing dialogue on drug policy reform in South Africa.

The coalition emphasised that decriminalisation does not legalise drugs. Instead, it proposed that people found with small amounts of drugs for personal use should not face arrest or criminal records, while the production and sale of drugs would remain criminal offences.

“People who use drugs should be part of drug policy reform because it directly affects us,” explained Angela McBride, Executive Director of the South African Network of People Who Use Drugs.

She said excluding people with lived experience from policy discussions often results in decisions that fail to address the realities people face.

“We are all human, and this is about human rights, not morality. We need to prioritise health and support over punishment,” said McBride.

Charity Monareng, Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy International (SSDPI) and a member of the Vusubuntu Coalition Steering Committee, said the initiative was formed after organisations recognised the harmful effects of criminalisation.

Monareng said the coalition was built on strong relationships and a shared commitment among partner organisations before its official launch.

“Everyone understood the importance of creating a platform that brings together diverse voices around drug policy reform, so there was a genuine willingness to collaborate and contribute.

“The coalition exists because we realise that the rights of people who use drugs are being violated,” said Monareng.

She said many people are arrested for possessing small amounts of drugs, contributing to overcrowded prisons while diverting resources away from addressing violent crime.

“We need people to access services. There has to be a different way of doing things. We need our country to prioritise the health of vulnerable populations,” she said.

Community members with lived experience who attended the launch welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that it would improve their lives.

“It means promoting freedom for all and recognising us as human beings. We’re hoping for job opportunities,” expressed Kamohelo Ramabodu.

Peer educator and community leader Michelle Marais said the coalition could help remove barriers preventing women and communities from accessing care.

“It means removing barriers for women and the community to access care. I hope it will improve access to services,” shared Marais.

Karabo Mathabe said support should extend beyond treatment.

“We have skills even though we use drugs. We need support and a second chance to show that we can bring change to our communities,” he concluded.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel