The Global Commission on Drug Policy announced this week that they have welcomed former president of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe  as a member of the venerable commission. Comprising former heads of State or Government, as well as other experienced and well-known leaders from the political, economic and cultural arenas, these influential leaders advocate for drug policies based on scientific evidence, human rights, public health and safety, for all segments of the population.

The GCDP supports activists around the world and we find it significant that Mr Motlanthe is joined by Cassam Uteem, former president of Mauritius. This bodes well for the global south and for Southern Africa in particular. We have been waiting for some time for the focus of international drug policy to spread to Southern Africa. Hopefully the wait is over and we will join West and East Africa as the subjects of the important research and “on the ground” support that is so important for progress to be made in changing our punitive drug laws.

We wish Mr Motlanthe all the best and look forward to meeting him in person to discuss what his country’s activists have been doing towards this global goal.

Viva Amadagga Dagga, Viva!

Viva South Africa, Viva!