Diepsloot man shares story of recovery after difficult personal struggles
From the hardship of growing up too fast, forced to fend for himself and shoulder adult burdens at a young age, Mihla Moyeni has learnt to step up, discovering a true home in the strength of brotherhood.
Mihla Moyeni’s (27) early life in the Eastern Cape was marked by loss and isolation.
After losing his mother at a young age and growing up without a consistent father figure, Moyeni faced a childhood shaped by loneliness, often feeling unseen, unsupported, and set apart from those around him.
“I had no one to talk to, and I struggled both physically and emotionally. Without both parents present in my life, I often felt lost and without hope.
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“My family situation was complicated. My father was alive, but not present in my life.
He had another family, and I lived separately from him. I moved to Diepsloot, where I stayed alone while my father lived in Fourways and only visited occasionally. Eventually, I was left to survive on my own without proper support.”
Moyeni relocated to Gauteng with his sister after she got a job, hoping that life would be better if he found a change of environment. Unfortunately, nothing good was in store for him. High school was not going well, with him failing a lot. That led to him being furious with school, ending up with him dropping out in Grade 11. Life became harder each day.
His only supporter, his sister, lost her job, going back home to start her initiation school, leaving Moyeni to fend for himself.
“During this time, I reached a very dark place. I attempted to take my own life several times by overdosing on pills and drinking harmful substances, which led to hospital visits. I was not looking for attention. I was in pain and didn’t know how to cope.”
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A turning point in his life came when a woman from his community noticed that he was not okay. She reached out and offered to help him. She encouraged him to speak to a social worker, and, for the first time, he shared his full story with someone.
“Through the social worker, I was introduced to a men’s forum in Diepsloot. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but it became a space where I could express myself freely. I was not afraid to speak or ask questions. Over time, I started to understand my emotions better, and learned how to deal with my struggles… Step by step.”
Attending those meetings helped him grow. Although he says he is still sensitive and faces challenges, he now understands himself better.
“I have learned ways to manage my emotions and handle difficult situations. I am not where I used to be. I am stronger now.”
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