Former addict and drug dealer rebuilds his life
“I decided to drop out of university because I was now known for selling drugs and feared ending up in prison.”
Kwa-Thema – For 10 years, Lehlohonolo Sekgobela led a life of self-destruction, drug addiction, drug dealer and lived on the streets.
After years of fighting to clean up his life, the 30-year-old from Brakpan has now dedicated his life to help and motivate other addicts to seek help and fight drugs in his community.
Lehlohonolo is a member of the Intsikelelo Youth Development Foundation, an organisation that assists addicts to overcome their addiction.
He is also a committee member of the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) in Kwa-Thema.
“The only way to root out drugs in our communities is by fighting the drug dealers head-on,” he said.
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Lehlohonolo started experimenting with dagga in high school and soon moved to ecstasy, crystal meth, cocaine, Cat and rock.
His life spiralled out of control when his mother died and some of his friends were arrested for drug possession, died from drug overdose. He sunk into depression and used drugs as a coping mechanism.
He then started selling drugs to students to make extra money.
“I decided to drop out of university because I was now known for selling drugs and feared ending up in prison.
“I went back home to live with my grandfather in Thembisa. I was labelled a ‘cheese boy’ who came to the neighbourhood with expensive drugs and loved partying,” he said.
His first attempt to clean up his addiction was when his aunt booked him into a church rehabilitation centre in Lanseria.
Also read: Pastors from Faith Based Organisation join the fight against drugs in schools
Unfortunately, he relapsed after eight months of being clean.
“I became a hard-core drug salesperson, I would go to West Street in Kempton Park to buy drugs, sell them in Thembisa and get high from my own stock.
“I then decided to become a role model to my two children by getting my life in order, and I have never looked back,” he added.
During his journey to clean up his life, he has acquired a certificate in community house building, an NQF level two qualification.
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