Local addicts embark on life-changing journey

A group of Nyaope addicts are expected to embark on a journey of self-reliance and sobriety.

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They will submit copies of their ID documents at Morekhuri Trading in Protea Glen to enable them be accepted into rehabilitation centres – free of charge.

The group’s bold step follows an initiative by Protea Glen’s local business community to fight prevalence of drug addiction in the township.

On Saturday, June 17, Protea Glen Ext 12 based Business in Unity, an organisation comprising of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and individuals backed by chain restaurants, medical practitioners and filing stations doing business in the area, launched the pilot project at the local community hall aimed at combating drug abuse.

The group welcomed more than 53 nyaope addicts who all expressed a desire to end their addiction.

It was an occasion of solidarity where residents voiced their discontent with substance abuse – a scourge that has robbed the youth of their potential and integrity, leading them to steal in order to feed their addiction.

Business in Unity member and owner of Morekhuri Trading, Moss Meje confidently declared that they would do whatever it takes, with or without government support, to help nyaope ‘boys and girls’ overcome addiction.

Meje added that this was only the start of their mission and the event would be held every year on June 17 to make a difference in the community.

“The journey to sobriety is not an easy one and this group understands that better. They are determined to break the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives,” said Meje.

Tshidiso Monyane, a 36-year-old recovering nyaope addict shared his story with the attendees. It ignited a spark of hope and motivated other addicts to turn away from the dangerous addiction.

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“I had been struggling with drugs for almost a decade and it had taken a toll on me, my family and particularly my children. So I sought help from social workers, who arranged for me to enter a rehabilitation centre. Miraculously, only six months later, I had broken free from my addiction and emerged clean,” explained Monyane.

Monyane is the founder of Tshenolo Substance Abuse Service Centre, a non-profit organisation that helps fight substance abuse and develop strategies to prevent drug use in Moletsane and other Soweto communities.

He recruits and refers people to rehabilitation centres. He has partnered with the Protea Glen business community, registering 53 drug addicts who attended the event on Saturday.

Morekhuri Trading offered Monyane an office desk at their offices in Protea Glen to help local nyaope addicts in the area to bring their ID documents, so they can be taken to rehabilitation centres free of charge.

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Matimba Management and Labour Managing Director, Kingdom Sono announced his initiative to form a cooperative to help unemployed youth.

He said he was confident the initiative would have a beneficial impact on the lives of the unemployed youth.

“We are here to give young people a shot at achieving something great for themselves,” Sono remarked, expressing optimism that this will help them in avoiding the risks associated with drug use and leading better lives.

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He detailed dishwashing soap and baking bread as some of the items the cooperative will be producing and distributing to the community to generate profits.

Sono implored the unemployed youth to submit their identification documents on July 1 to get the process started.