Authored By: Boitumelo Masia
Emeris
Introduction
So many teens have so much leeway getting their hands on the drugs, weapons and alcohol. Do we have laws that protect the youth from abusing these substances? Or these laws are just sitting there? We have a high rate of the youth abusing substances especially in High School, in the research made by the South African Government showed that South Africa was identified as one of the world’s largest methamphetamine markets.[1]The enforcement of existing laws and regulations is essential to safeguarding society, particularly young people from potential harm. Strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring their effective implementation can contribute to the protection of the youth from various social, technological and criminal risks.
Main Body
The protection of the youth is the beginning of great things towards the future of South Africa. The failure to effectively enforce laws and regulations creates circumstances that expose young people to harmful influences and unlawful activities. As a result, many youths may become vulnerable to adverse environments that limit their aspirations and opportunities for personal development. Building great environment in schools, allowing every child an opportunity to greatness and benefits that upper class children have. In South Africa the youth that falls in the stats of drug abuse are the youth who don’t have opportunities, no great school environment and are in the rural areas. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can diminish their confidence in achieving a better future, thereby increasing the likelihood of continued social and economic disadvantage. Effective legal enforcement is therefore essential to fostering a safe environment in which young people can realise their full potential. Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008,[2] South African Schools Act 84 of 1996[3] and Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 14 of 1992[4] are amongst the legislative that protect the youth. Despite the existence of these legislative measures, their practical impact has in some instance remained limited due to challenges associated with implementation, enforcement and compliance. Consequently, greater efforts may be required to ensure that the intended objectives of these laws are effectively achieve and that vulnerable members of society receive adequate protection. When laws and regulations are not effectively enforced, serious and often irreversible consequences may arise like the incident that happen in Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park in East London during a pens down. “21 children died and the youngest was 13 years old”[5] The absence of proper enforcement created this opportunity for unlawful conduct. Effective enforcement is therefore essential to maintaining public safety, ensuring accountability and protecting the rights and well-being of all members of society. In certain instances, laws are not afforded the level of seriousness necessary to achieve their intended purpose. This may be attributed to inadequate enforcement, limited compliance or a lack of accountability all of which undermine the effectiveness of the legal framework and weaken public confidence in the administration of justice. The government should give greater consideration to this issue by strengthening existing legislative and regulatory frameworks and where necessary introducing additional legal measures aimed at preventing drug, alcohol abuse and weapons among the youth. The effective implementation and enforcement of such laws are essential to protecting the rights, safety and well being of the youth while promoting a secure and healthy environment for their development. A collaborative approach involving schools, parents, community members and government institutions is essential to ensuring the protection and wellbeing of the youth. Through coordinated efforts, effective implementation of legal measures and shared responsibility these stakeholders can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes the development and protection of the youth. A Bill can be drafted, public petitions can be made, advocacy groups can be formed and etc. If gaps are not met, it increases the crime rate and makes the nation a not so safe place to be. In an article written by Lizette Lancaster it is stated that: “A high number of children are killed in South Africa, often in crossfire or at the hands of their caregivers. The SAPS estimates that 1 100 children were murdered between April 2024 and March 2025.”[6]
Conclusion
Significant progress can be still achieved, as gaps remain within the existing legal and regulatory framework. Addressing these shortcomings through legislative reform effective policy implementation and strengthened enforcement measures is essential to enhancing the protection and wellbeing of young people and ensuring that the objectives of the law are fully realised. The protection afforded by the law should extended equally to all members of society, as every individual is entitled to the equal protection and benefit of the law. The government bears a responsibility to ensure that legislative and regulatory measures safeguard the rights and well-being of all persons without discrimination. Particular attention should be given to the protection of the youth as they represent the future of South Africa and will ultimately contribute to the country’s governance, legal development and the administration of justice. The prevalence of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, the unlawful possession and use of weapons may be reduced through a collaborative approach involving government institutions, law enforcement agencies, communities, schools and families. Strengthening the enforcement of existing legislation together with the introduction of more effective preventative measures where necessary can contribute significantly vulnerable members of society, particularly the youth. The youth is indeed the future of South Africa, by adopting a proactive approach to protecting the rights and well-being of all members of society. South Africa can promote a safer, more just and prosperous future for present and future generations.
Reference(S):
Legislation
Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 14 of 1992
South African Schools Act 84 of 1996
Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008
Online Source
Gill Price ‘Alcohol and substance abuse’ (gov.za,2024) https://www.gov.za/Alcoholandsubstanceabuse
Lizette Lancaster ‘Is South Africa’s crime problem turning around?’ (ISS, 2025) https://issafrica.org/iss-today/is-south-africa-s-crime-problem-turning-around
[1]Gill Price ‘Alcohol and substance abuse’ (gov.za,2024) https://www.gov.za/Alcoholandsubstanceabuse accessed 5 August 2026
[2] Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008
[3] South African Schools Act 84 of 1996
[4] Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 14 of 1992
[5] Gill Price ‘Alcohol and substance abuse’ (gov.za,2024) https://www.gov.za/Alcoholandsubstanceabuse accessed 5 August 2026
[6] Lizette Lancaster ‘Is South Africa’s crime problem turning around?’(ISS, 2025) https://issafrica.org/iss-today/is-south-africa-s-crime-problem-turning-around accessed 6 August 2026
