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Validating the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa: The voices of East London citizens

This study employed a purposive sampling technique to examine the implementation of substance abuse policy in South Africa with the participation of East London citizens. The study applied a qualitative approach and paradigm that allowed for the description and exploration of the circumstances surrounding substance abuse as discussed by sixteen participants engaged in in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. Demographically, the participants’ age ranged from 42 to 59 years with a mean of 50.1. The gender distribution was skewed with eleven male and five female participants. Among the participants were fourteen blacks and only two whites. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed manually through thematic analysis. Inter alia, the study revealed the limited success of substance abuse policies; poor intergovernmental policy implementation; a paucity of qualified human resources and politics and corruption serving as stumbling blocks to proper policy implementation. This study revealed a need to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of substance abuse policies in South Africa.