Outdated drug laws will be reviewed in order to improve the state's response to drug and substance abuse, Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said yesterday.

Outdated drug laws will be reviewed in order to improve the state's response to drug and substance abuse, Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said yesterday.

Speaking in Pretoria, Skweyiya said the Prevention of and Treatment of Substance Abuse Bill, already approved by the cabinet, would replace the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act.

"Among its shortcomings, it focuses primarily on institutional treatment and very little provision is made for prevention, community-based and out-patient services," Skweyiya said.

The proposed legislation will promote more community-based services, place greater emphasis on preventative services, and will be more sensitive to the needs of children.

"We look forward to vigorous participation by the public and stakeholders when parliament holds public hearings on the bill," he said.- Sapa