FROM ADDICTION TO INSPIRATION: RECOVERING SUBSTANCE USER ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO STAY DRUG-FREE

By Tendamudzimu Goza

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development is actively combating substance abuse and supporting affected individuals, striving for a drug-free province amid a crisis that leads to health issues, crime, school dropouts, and high unemployment rates.
• Alfred Makgoro, a 36-year-old from Saulsville, serves as an inspiring example of recovery after struggling with addiction since age 18, which derailed his education and life until he found help at the Sithuthukisa Bonke Crisis Centre.
• At the recent “Ke Moja Fridays” service delivery blitz, Makgoro shared his story to motivate others battling addiction, urging both users and those considering drugs to prioritise education and stay away from harmful substances.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development continues its mission to combat substance abuse and support those affected, aiming for a drug-free province. According to various reports, substance abuse often leads to devastating consequences, with many young people falling into this trap. This crisis contributes to health issues, crime, school dropouts, and high unemployment rates.

One individual who has turned his life around is 36-year-old Alfred Makgoro from Saulsville in Tshwane. Introduced to alcohol and drugs by a trusted friend at just 18 years old, Makgoro’s life quickly spiralled out of control. He lost focus in his studies, failed matric, and eventually dropped out of Tshwane North College, where he was pursuing civil engineering. His addiction worsened, culminating in his use of nyaope, a substance that dramatically altered his life for the worse.

“Because of drugs, I lost concentration in my schoolwork and in life,” Makgoro shared, reflecting on how addiction derailed his future. For over a decade, he struggled to quit, feeling unable to do it on his own. His turning point came when he sought help at the Sithuthukisa Bonke Crisis Centre (SBCC), an organisation partnering with the Gauteng Department of Social Development in the fight against drugs. Through their recovery programme, Makgoro was finally able to break free from addiction.

Last Friday, Makgoro attended the “Ke Moja Fridays” service delivery blitz at Saulsville Sports Ground, where he used his story to inspire others still battling addiction. He urged them, as well as those yet to experiment with drugs, to avoid substances at all costs. “Drugs will not help you in life; they will destroy it. We must stay away from drugs and focus on education,” Makgoro warned.

The Ke Moja Fridays campaign will continue to provide support to substance users and raise awareness in communities about the dangers of substance abuse.