YOUNG PEOPLE IN RECOVERY INSPIRE WITH CREATIVE TALENT

By Lawrence Mashabela.

• ⁠An International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event was used to highlight the power of performance in supporting people on their recovery journeys.
• ⁠Young people who performed at the Ratanda Multi-Purpose Centre in Heidelberg, Gauteng, were praised for their inspiring performances and their courage and resilience.
• The event also highlighted the Department of Social Development’s “Ke Moja, I’m Fine Without Drugs” campaign, which promotes a drug-free lifestyle.

The youngsters performing at the Ratanda Multi-Purpose Centre in Heidelberg, Gauteng, were greeted by effusive applause for their talent – and their courage

These young people were visually demonstrating the power creative platforms has in the process of recovering from substance abuse.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko praised their inspiring performances and resilience.

Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 2025, Mazibuko highlighted the role of creative platforms in the recovery journey.

Initiatives like talent shows play a critical role in helping individuals in recovery rebuild their lives, boost their self-esteem, and strengthen social support networks, she noted.

“As government, we truly support initiatives like these because they give recovering substance users the opportunity to express themselves through their talents, share drug-free messages, and build confidence. These platforms provide a positive alternative to substance use and help shape a healthier future.”

Speaking directly to the community, Mazibuko urged society to support those on the path of recovery and celebrate their achievements.

She also called on young people to stay away from drugs and focus instead on building better lives for themselves.

“Substance abuse is one of the major drivers of social problems such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and broken families. It also increases the risk of chronic diseases like HIV, AIDS, injuries, and even premature death,” she warned.

Encouraging youth to take advantage of available opportunities, she said: “We urge you to acquire skills such as plumbing and electrical work, which can help you sustain yourselves. The department will even consider using your services if you form cooperatives and register them properly.”

One of the service users, 25-year-old Katlego Mollo, shared his testimony. He expressed gratitude to the government for helping him escape the grip of addiction after struggling for more than eight years.

“Although recovery is not an easy journey, I am determined to win this battle. We are grateful for opportunities like these where we can showcase our talents and inspire others,” said Mollo.

He added that his passion now is to help other young people, especially teenagers struggling with addiction, and to show them that recovery is possible.

“I’ve learned so much on this journey, how to stop comparing myself to others, how to be kind to myself, and most importantly, how to love and accept myself,” he said.

The event also shone a spotlight on one of the Department of Social Development’s flagship programmes targeting youth and children, the “Ke Moja, I’m Fine Without Drugs” campaign, which promotes drug-free lifestyles among young people.