Diepkloof Drug Addiction – NPO offers hope
While drug addiction continues to impact many young people in Diepkloof, a local non-profit organisation, Ngaphandle Kokukholwa Akathokozi (NKA), is working to bring about lasting change.
Some of the youth in Diepkloof continue to struggle with the devastating effects of drug addiction.
A local NPO, Ngaphandle Kokukholwa Akathokozi (NKA), has stepped in to support those who are ready to break free from substance abuse.
The organisation offers several programmes aimed at helping local drug users—particularly those found near Diepkloof Square—start the journey toward recovery and a life free from drugs and crime.
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According to the organisation’s founder, Sipho Mazomba, the main drivers of drug abuse in the area include youth unemployment, unresolved childhood trauma, and the stigma recovering addicts face from their communities.
“This judgement often drives them back into the same dark space they are trying to escape,” he said.
How it all began
“We started this programme, which is very close to our hearts, after observing many young people who were visibly addicted and gathering around Diepkloof Square,” Mazomba explained.
“They were assisting customers by helping them park and carry groceries. We approached Diepkloof Square management to formalise this activity as work.
“However, there were basic requirements, like bathing before coming to work and signing a register—something many struggled with because they lived on the streets.”
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He noted that although some would return to nearby ‘trap houses’ to purchase drugs with the money they had earned, the organisation chose not to give up on them.
“We continued to engage them about the services available through our organisation. Some of them embraced the opportunity to turn their lives around.”
NKA’s door-to-door campaign
Through the trust built between NKA and the community, a door-to-door campaign was born. Rehabilitated users working with NKA guided healthcare workers to homes and known drug dens to reach more addicts.
“Our healthcare workers visit these places to offer support and recruit those willing to seek help. The process begins with an initial assessment, followed by a referral written by a social worker,” Mazomba explained.
“We also send them to local clinics for medical testing and to the police station to make an affidavit confirming that they are entering rehab of their own free will.”
Rehabilitation and recovery
Once referred, the social worker liaises with one of the rehabilitation centres NKA collaborates with. These include centres at Baragwanath Hospital, Selby, Centurion, Pretoria, and Florida.
“Patients remain in rehab for a minimum of two months. Upon completion, they receive a certificate and, hopefully, leave with the resilience and readiness to stay drug-free.”
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Reintegration into the community
Post-rehabilitation, the organisation remains committed to supporting former addicts as they reintegrate into society. NKA involves them in community projects that help build valuable skills for future employment.
“We ask them to submit their CVs so we can assist with placements that align with their abilities. Opportunities include agriculture, computer literacy, and training programmes through SETA,” Mazomba said.
“So far, we’ve sent six individuals to rehab, four of whom returned and became ambassadors for the programme. They even helped recruit two of their friends.”
A life transformed
One of these ambassadors is Mpho Lekala (37), who had battled addiction to Nyaope, rock, crystal meth, and mandrax since 2003.
“Bad influences and peer pressure led me down that path,” said Lekala. “After 22 years of being a hardcore addict, NKA finally came to my rescue.
“Drug users are people who were once just like everyone else, but they are often judged and unheard by their communities. That rejection pushes them deeper into substance abuse, trying to ease their pain and anger.”
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Lekala admitted that his time in rehab was tough, and he often considered giving up.
“What kept me going were the promises I made to the organisation and to my loved ones. I soldiered on and have recovered to become the man I am today—free from the dark cloud of drugs.”
For more information, readers can contact Sipho Mazomba, founder of Ngaphandle Kokukholwa Akathokozi (NKA), on 074 342 3342.
