Cannabis sativa--a plea for decriminalisation.

homelessness are a reality in our daily life." The perception that the government or the ANC should solve all the problems is misplaced. These are complex national problems brought about by decades of deliberate and systematic neglect. For these problems to be addressed effectively we require joint effort by all stakeholders including tertiary institutions.] Clearly the situation as it exists cannot be allowed to continue. Not only should we begin to change norms and values within these institutions, but there is also an urgent need to change their human character, such that they begin to reflect the demographic nature of our society. In so doing I believe we shall see the process of democratisation and legitimisation take root within these institutions, and they will become true people's institutions. It is my sincere belief that once this foundation has been successfully laid, we shall begin to see emerging from these institutions diplomates and graduates with a sense of community consciousness.' So too shall we start to see a change in research priorities such that academic research is geared towards addressing the real needs of our people. If the American 'project 3000 by the year 2000' is anything to go by, perhaps our tertiary institutions have a lesson to learn from the Americans." (This project is an initiative of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Its goal is to enroll 3 000 students from under-represented minority groups annually in US medical schools by the year 2000. It is essentially an acknowledgement of racial imbalances brought about by past policies and a commitment to redress them.) After all, our standing in the world community of nations will be judged less by our ability to master the art of science than by our determination to address the basic needs of all our people effectively.