‘I am selfish with my recovery’
After years of fighting to clean up his life, the 30-year-old from Tsakani has dedicated his life to motivating other addicts to a clean future.
Tsakani – For six years, Thokozani Hlatshwayo, who is a former drug addict and activist against substance abuse, led a life of self-destruction, drug addiction and lived on the streets.
After years of fighting to clean up his life, the 30-year-old from Tsakani has dedicated his life to motivating other addicts to a clean future.
The recovering addict has been clean for six years and still going strong.
His life changed drastically when both his parents died when he was 13 years old.
Hlatshwayo started experimenting with dagga before a friend introduced him to nyaope, which led to other recreational drugs.
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He said his drug of choice became nyaope and crack cocaine.
“I smoked so I could forget and numb the pain for a few hours, even though I knew it was not a permanent solution.
“I started stealing from my family and neighbours to feed my addiction.
“At home, no one wanted me while the community wanted me dead, so I decided to go live on the streets of Johannesburg for two and a half years in 2013.”
He got arrested for burglary and sentenced to two years in prison but only served six months.
His life changed when he met a man named of Ericson, who used to donate food to the homeless. He introduced him to Sanca, where he attended a seven-week rehabilitation programme.
Hlatshwayo said for him to stay clean he had to change his friends and places he used to hang out at.
“I was able to confide in him about my pain and losing everything and how I wanted to rebuild my life.
“Addiction is not child’s play, your life ceases to have meaning while you don’t realise you are slowly digging your own grave.
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“I will be a recovering addict until I die, which is why I am selfish with my recovery.
“However, I am thankful to have made it out without any chronic illness,” he added.
He is preparing 14 mentees for rehabilitation.
“I am not doing this for money but it is my way of giving back to my community because I know how it feels to be in that state and don’t wish it on anyone,” he said.
His long-term plan is to establish an NPO.
For enquiries, he can be contacted on 060 360 2510.
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