On Monday South Africa will join the world in highlighting the socio-economic challenges posed by the abuse of substances on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

South Africa continues to experience increased levels of substance abuse, and the age of first experimentation with substances has dropped to between nine and 10 years.

Appropriately, the theme for this year is "Children and Drugs", with the slogan "Drugs are not child's play".

Several activities will take place to promote awareness and the main event is in Umbumbulu in Durban on June 29.

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