How one man’s second chance is uplifting a community
After spending 12 years battling drug addiction, Klass Nkatha chose a different path.
For 12 years, Klass Nkatha was trapped in the destructive cycle of drug addiction. Today, at 48 years old, he is using his hard-won sobriety to build a sanctuary for others fighting the very same demons on the streets of Kwa-Guqa.
Klass is the founder and head instructor of a local gym; a grassroots initiative aimed at keeping vulnerable youth off the streets and providing a healthy outlet for individuals on their own recovery journeys.
His battle with substance abuse began over two decades ago, mirroring the rise of drug influxes in local communities.
“I started in 2001 when the drugs were first introduced around here, and I only managed to leave them in 2014,” he said. “It is a very difficult journey to take, but I am living proof of that experience. I am a living example that you can make a turnaround from drugs.”
Now, almost two years into launching his fitness initiative, the proud father is channelling his past pain into a purpose. Beyond physical training, he serves as a part-time counsellor and mentor to the youth.
“I offer part-time advice to these fellows to encourage them,” he said. “But I saw that just talking was not the only thing that could be done. That is why I decided to start a gym, specifically for the people who are on the recovery journey. It is our way of detoxing in eMalahleni.”
Without corporate funding or government grants, the gym was born purely out of local solidarity. The gym relies entirely on small contributions from supportive, non-smoking community members who believe in Nkatha’s mission.
However, running a community gym on a shoestring budget comes with massive hurdles. The facility is currently operating with minimal resources and he is urgently appealing to the public, local businesses and donors for assistance to secure proper, full-scale gym equipment.
“These drugs are destroying our people,” he said. “We are doing what we can with what we have, but we need help to get full equipment for the gym so we can save more lives.”
If you would like to support Nkatha’s mission, donate gym equipment, or offer financial assistance to the gym, you can contact him directly on 066 194 9846.
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