Duduza – The South African National Council on Alcoholism (Sanca) Alra Park Clinic celebrated Sanca Week, June 22 to 30, with the community of Duduza by giving hope to drug addicts, on Tuesday.
“Bengingazi ukuthi Kuyoba njena, ngibhemeleni inyaope?” (“I did not know that things would turn out like this, why did I ever smoke nyaope?”).
These are the words of one of the songs performed by the Alra Park former addicts choir, during the “Saying no to substance abuse – walk the talk” programme.
Parents, and former addicts came out in large numbers to support those who still need the strength to accept the help of Sanca and the community.
Lucky Swartz, who has been clean for the past four years, says he is grateful to be alive.
“I didn’t even go to rehab.
“I just quit by myself.
“I stuck to my decision even when it was difficult.”
He says he is living proof that with determination, one can get out of any bad situation.
“While I was smoking nyaope I dropped out of school, so I had no matric.
“But within six months of quitting I got a wonderful opportunity.
“I’m now an intern doing office administration.”
Lucky says his main aim is to show addicts that there is life after addiction, if you get out as soon as you can.
“I know many guys who are smart, and some of them even have matric.
“So nothing is stopping you except yourself.”
Mpho Madonsela, facilitator for the day, urged the crowd to consider how their actions affect their loved ones.
“We are hurting our parents, our siblings and some of us even have children.”
Sizakele Mngomezulu of Sanca says the community needs to stand behind those who are brave enough to come forward and ask for help.
“We have seen what these drugs are doing to our community.
“But rejecting the people who need help the most will not produce any good results.”
Mngomezulu admits that it may be difficult to build trust, especially in families of addicts, but for the sake of recovery the community needs to learn how to cope with integration.
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