Duduza youths beating Nyaope addiciton

Nyaope addicts from Duduza have been coming forward to accept the help offered by the Tsemolemo Social Programme.

Lehlohonolo Mosikidi (23) said being part of the programme has assisted him to beat his nyaope addiction.

He joined the group around March, after a friend with whom he smoked nyaope suggested they attend a session.

He added that he completed his rehabilitation programme in three weeks, instead of the six weeks he was supposed to spend at the Calinan Rehab Centre in Tshwane.

Lehlohonolo is one of the programme’s leaders and has brought friends that he smoked with to Duduza Resource Centre.

The group, which has members in various stages of rehabilitation, meets at the centre with a focus on literature and spiritual well-being, while being taught how to make choices.

Founder Hope Rantseli said the group is welcoming back 16 members from rehab today (Friday), while 13 other addicts started their rehab programme this week.

Hope said it was during a community meeting held at Duduza Police Station in April, that made him realise he had to get personally involved in fighting against nyaope.

The founder added that they deal with nyaope addicts aged between 14 and 17 years.

He said they are always looking for book donations for their members to have something to read.

Hope believes misconceptions about nyaope only affecting uneducated people from impoverished families, is causing many middle- and upper-class families to suffer in silence, with this national pandemic.

Lehlohonolo said he was motivated to change his ways because he was not happy with his neighbours not trusting him any more.

He concluded by saying that it’s things like his family now trusting him with the house keys which proves he is on the right track.