KABOKWENI – Determined to make a difference in the community and to help fight drug abuse, local gospel star S’fiso Shongwe opened a rehabilitation centre. Famously referred to as S’fiso S, the “Ihlabekisa” and “By Fire by Force” hitmaker, is in the process of cleaning the streets and helping rehabilitate nyaope users. S’fiso S opened a Boys-R-Men Rehabilitation Centre for boys who are addicted to nyaope in Malekutu, KaBokweni. The centre has so far accommodated about 20 boys.

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S’fiso S said, “I have seen how the number of young people is increasing daily as they sink deeper into drugs, especially nyaope. It has made me realise that the future of our community is at risk.

“I have observed that young boys are the ones most vulnerable when it comes to drugs, especially nyaope. Surprisingly, these youngsters are very skillful and talented.

“I decided to rescue them from the claws of nyaope. Because of this drug, most of them have even resigned from their jobs, given up on their dreams, left school and neglected their families so that they can serve this demon.

“This centre will help and save many lives. We are blessed to say that there’s a young man called Xolane Mgabe who started using drugs in 2010, and he is making progress and has stopped taking them. He is also from our rehabilitation centre,” he added. “Drugs are not a solution, there is no future. By the grace of God I hopefully believe that lot of young boys will be in recovery.”