Browsing by Author "De Koker, Devon Clife"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemExploring the experiences of social service providers regarding the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan (2013-2017)(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) De Koker, Devon Clife; Slabbert, Ilze; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: National Drug Master Plans (NDMP’s) are being implemented in the Republic of South Africa since 1999. NDMP’s serve as the overarching and coordinating policy-plan to address and manage the substance abuse problem in the RSA. The NDMP for 2013-2017 is the third NDMP in the RSA and various professional disciplines and sectors deemed it as essential, since it was implemented in a time wherein the substance abuse problem of the country was raging. NDMP’s in the RSA are developed and implemented based on integrated and multisectoral service delivery, in order to address and manage the South African substance abuse problem. The wide spectrum of NDMP’s and its newness in certain geographical areas and provinces of the RSA served as challenges to social service providers. The challenging experiences by social services providers regarding the implementation of NDMP’s can be ascribed to their active involvement with the implementation of NDMP’s in substance abuse service delivery. The NDMP for 2013-2017 provoked a wide spectrum of reactions from professional disciplines and sectors that were role-players in the implementation of this plan. It was observed in the South African social work practice that many of the professional disciplines and sectors that were involved in the implementation of the NDMP for 2013- 2017, approached social service providers for strategic guidance, professional support and theoretical expertise regarding their challenges, general experiences and concerns in relation to the implementation of this plan. There is a gap in literature regarding the experiences of social service providers regarding the implementation of NDMP’s, and specifically the NDMP for 2013-2017. There is a continuous national concern regarding the implementation of future NDMP’s as there is an intensification and negative diversification of the South African substance abuse problem. This research study was implemented at a time of urgent need for professional guidance and support regarding the planning and implementation of future NDMP’s in the RSA. There are currently no NDMP’s in the RSA, as the previous NDMP’s (the NDMP for 2013-2017) time frame for implementation lapsed. The NDMP for 2018- 2022, is not yet finalized and endorsed by the South African National Assembly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social service providers regarding the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan (2013-2017). In order to meet the aim of the study, four relevant objectives were formulated. A qualitative approach with an exploratory and descriptive nature was utilised in this study. The researcher made use of purposive sampling to obtain the sample of 16 participants. Ethical clearance was obtained for this low-risk study. A semi-structured interview guide was chosen to collect the data. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. The data was analysed into four themes, namely (1) the perceptions and understandings of social service providers regarding the NDMP (2013-2017); (2) the feasibility and practicality of the NDMP (2013-2017); (3) an overview of the implementation of the NDMP (2013-2017) with specific reference to challenges experienced; and (4) an anticipation of the implementations of future NDMP’s. Data verification was also done by ensuring as far as possible the truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality of the study. As observed in Social Work practice, various professional disciplines and institutions are desperate for strategic guidance for the implementation of future NDMP’s and a professional interpretation of the implementation of the NDMP for 2013-2017. This research study thus attempted to describe the experiences of social service providers regarding the implementation of the NDMP for 2013-2017. The conclusions and recommendations regarding this topic can hopefully be utilised for the implementation of future NDMP’s.