Soweto parents battle the cost of drug abuse

For many families, drug abuse is not just a problem affecting the person using substances.

It becomes a day-to-day fight which causes emotional wounds, financial problems, and broken families. Behind closed doors, parents and grandparents are usually left to clean up the mess while praying for their relatives to finally get help.

For Jane Molalogi, the impact of drug abuse has been devastating. Her 39-year-old son started using drugs in 2010, and since then life has never been the same.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for possession of stolen vehicle and drugs in Eldorado Park

“I always used to run out of the house because he used to chase me,” she said.

In her account, Molalogi spoke about living through years of fear as she watched her son becoming increasingly aggressive and unpredictable.

“According to her, he vandalised parts of the house, damaged the ceiling and destroyed household items, leaving the family struggling to maintain their home.
“He messed up everything. I don’t even have dishes anymore,” she said.

She stated that her son is frequently irritable and often speaks disrespectfully to family members.

ALSO READ: Suspected drug dealer arrested in Eldorado Park with unlicensed firearm and drugs

Although he sometimes helps around the house, she believes his efforts are insufficient considering the harm he has caused the family.

There was one situation that left her scarred. Her son had broken their TV set by hitting it with his fist.

“That made me feel like I was dying,” she said. “I was rushed to the hospital because the sound of his fist hitting the TV affected me so badly.”

The emotional toll has been immense. Molalogi said there are times when her son refuses to respond when spoken to; she indicated that her son eats too much and she suspects that it’s the drugs.

She is of the view that several years of drug abuse have transformed his character and affected family relations.

She believes years of drug use have changed his personality and strained family relationships.

The problem reached such an extent that it forced the family to call on the police. This was after he kept bothering other family members, especially the younger children at home.

“A child would be sitting minding their own business, and he would ask, ‘What are you looking at?’ even when they were not looking at him,” she explained.

After being arrested and later imprisoned, her son’s health worsened. He fell ill very badly and had many wounds. “We saw that he was dying,” she said.

ALSO READ: Suspect arrested in Mofolo North for possession of illegal drugs

However, despite all the trouble he had caused her, she still worried about him. She remembered how she used to cry in court when his bail was not granted.

Afterwards, the court referred the case to social workers, who recommended rehabilitation. My son was released by the court on June 19, 2026, and is currently under the supervision of social workers who are helping him overcome his addiction.

A similar story unfolded in the home of Patricia Monaheng, whose 23-year-old grandson has also struggled with drug abuse.

Monaheng said the addiction has had a destructive impact on the household.

“He sold everything inside the house, literally,” she said. She added that he was selling household goods, such as curtains and dishes, to fuel his habit. In addition, damaged property and broken things that cannot be repaired. He really messed us up,” she said.

The emotional pain is just as difficult as the financial losses. Monaheng said she wishes her grandson could focus on building a future and finding employment like other young people his age.

“He’s still young, and all I want is for him to work like his age mates,” she said.

Although his mother is still alive, Monaheng said he does not spend much time at home, often coming and going throughout the day and night.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for drugs possesion in Mofolo North

The experiences of Molalogi and Monaheng demonstrate how widespread the impact of substance abuse can be on families. While addiction has usually gotten all the attention due to its effects on individuals, their family members have usually had to shoulder the emotional, physical and monetary burdens.

Nonetheless, even in the midst of suffering, both Molalogi and Monaheng still maintain their hopes. This is just to show that in every case of addiction, there lies a family yearning for restoration.