MANGANYE PROVES RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE

By Lawrence Mashabela.

• From homelessness and repeated relapses, Manganye rebuilt his life through determination, treatment, and community support.
• His drug use caused his mother to fall ill from stress, showing how addiction destroys not only lives but also families.
• Through his radio show and activism, Manganye shares his story to inspire others and strengthen community efforts against substance abuse.

For 12 years, Bafana Manganye battled the grip of substance abuse. Today, the 35-year-old from MANGANYE PROVES RECOVERY IS POSSIBLEChiawelo, Soweto, is proud to say he has turned his life around and he’s urging young people to steer clear of drugs before it’s too late.
“This disease of addiction kills. Many young people think we are just scaring them, but the truth is drugs destroy lives. We need to do more to help them understand and focus on their studies,” he said.
Manganye’s addiction began with alcohol, escalated to dagga, and eventually spiraled to nyaope and rock. The consequences were devastating, not only for him but also for his loved ones. His mother suffered a mild stroke and meningitis due to the stress of his behaviour.
“It affects families the most. I used to steal things at home and in the community to feed my addiction. I was beaten by community members, and it broke my mother’s heart until she became ill,” he recalled.
Manganye recalls eating from dustbins, begging for coins on the street, and selling his own belongings. “I know how it feels to have lice,” he added. “Drugs are destroying young people, which means they are destroying the future of our country.”
Despite years of addiction, Manganye never gave up. His first stint in rehab was in 2015, followed by another in 2019 after a housebreaking case. But each time, he relapsed. “I think one of my problems was that when I came from rehab, I went back to the same people, with nothing much to do. So, it was easy to relapse,” he explained.
His turning point came in 2022 at the Life Recovery Centre in Randfontein, where he committed to a six-month treatment programme. That painful second relapse had pushed him to rock bottom, dirty, homeless, and collecting bottles for recycling. Many in his community had given up on him, calling meetings and even wishing for his death.
But Manganye fought back. After rehab, he joined Buka Development Centre in Chiawelo as a volunteer, later securing a permanent contract in 2023 as an adviser and referral representative. Now, he helps young people with CV writing, applications, and campaigns, while also driving drug awareness.
His recovery journey has also taken him to the airwaves. What began as a guest appearance on Soweto FM, an online radio station, has grown into his own show, My Journey to Recovery. Through the platform, he shares his story, spreads awareness, and encourages others still trapped in addiction to seek help.
Beyond radio, Manganye is an active community activist, connecting young people with social workers and leading awareness programmes in schools.
Today, Manganye is celebrating three years of sobriety, without touching drugs or alcohol.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Recovery is possible. If I can do it after all I went through, then anyone can.”