International drug policy activists attending conferences locally is helping boost Cape Town's Conference Tourism

CAPE TOWN’S conference tourism industry has received a shot in the arm from two recent international conferences on drug policy held in the hip, culturally diverse Woodstock suburb of the city.

The conferences, which hosted local and international guests, simultaneously bolstered local employment opportunities through accommodation providers, food vendors, transportation services, among others.

The conferences held in June and August this year, saw Woodstock play host to 175 international drug policy activists and not only helped tackle pertinent social issues but also contributed to the economy of the city.

Organised by the South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (Sanpud) the conferences dealt with the issues of drug policies and best practices for providing harm reduction services to drug users.

During the first workshop hosted by Sanpud in partnership with Inpud in June, Woodstock witnessed an influx of 25 delegates from East and West Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

At the Africa Drug Policy Week in August, an inclusive platform was created for 150 government officials, civil society representatives, academia members and those affected came to discuss how prohibitionist drug policies adversely impact people who use drugs and the measures taken to ensure their wellbeing is prioritised.

Opened by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, this event was estimated to have contributed R1.8 million towards the local economy.

The freedom of movement and right to free association for people who use drugs, safety from discrimination and stigma, access to Opioid Treatment Programme (OTP) for those who need it and a favourable exchange rate for local currency were some of the draw cards for the international participants.

“Being able to have robust conversations about our lives and work in public is something that I no longer take for granted.

“At a recent conference in an East African country, a group of us, international women, felt unsafe as we had an animated conversation about our work at a restaurant. You don’t get that in Cape Town” a delegate from Kenya who attended the advocacy training session in Cape Town said.

“I like that I can afford to go shopping when I am here. Also, the food and other joys of entertainment are affordable, even after the exchange rate. So, I can do and see more of the city”, a drug policy activist from Puerto Rico said.

Sanpud works to protect and promote the human rights of people who use drugs to make sure they can fully participate and thrive in their communities.

Executive Director of Sanpud Angela McBride said: “By investing our resources into hosting these international gatherings locally, we are not only advancing our cause but also making a significant contribution to job creation within the community.

“The bustling neighbourhood of Woodstock became a hub for innovation and exchange during these events as delegates immerse themselves in discussions surrounding harm reduction strategies, alternative approaches to drug use, and support networks for people who use drugs.”

McBride said this confluence of minds from diverse backgrounds not only empowered drug policy activists, but also stimulated local businesses and industries by injecting revenue into restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and countless other sectors.

According to the latest tourism statistics released by Statistics South Africa, the Western Cape tourism industry is showing strong recovery, with numbers from January to June 2023 reaching 1.4 million, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 104% and growing by 76% year-on-year.

Also, the most recent numbers show the unemployment at 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023, making job creation a priority.

Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC Mireille Wenger said: “The latest data shows that in the last year alone, international tourists visiting the Western Cape generated an impressive R24.3 billion, supporting 10 600 jobs.

“This means that for every 100 international tourists to the Western Cape, R2.1 million in direct tourist spend was generated, contributing R500 000 to the provincial Gross Domestic Product, enabling two local jobs, and supporting the movement of R1.4 million worth of air cargo”.

Both events were held by Sanpud were in collaboration with partners and funders including UNAIDS, the International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD), Harm Reduction International, the Global Fund via Networking HIV & AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA) Organisation, and the United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime, UNODC.

Support also came from Love Alliance, The Global Fund, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), TB HIV Care, Global Initiative, Department of Social Development and The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC).