Duduza – The popular pub was packed with women from different denominations.
Their colorful uniforms almost blocked out the somber mood.
Sizwe Khuzwayo, a recovering addict, is brave enough to try and explain what addiction is.
“We want our parents, we also don’t want the life we live.
“When we are talking to each other as friends, we often regret ever experimenting with nyaope.
“We know we have a problem.”
Also read: Gogo’s prayers come true four years later
Sizwe says that some of his friends cannot even get out of bed without taking a hit.
“The withdrawal symptoms are horrible.
“I know some guys try but when the pain comes, they just give up.”
Also read: KwaThema community continues in prayer
Sizwe has been trying to clean up his life with the help of some of the women in the prayer group.
He does odd jobs to keep himself off the streets.
“We know we have put you as our parents through hell.
“Please forgive us.”
Pastor Andile Madiba, who runs the Nxusa community project in Bluegum, commended the women for taking a stand.
“Some of these boys come from good homes, but they made bad decisions.
“They tell me this in counselling sessions.”
Pastor Andile helps addicts get into rehabilitation centres and with other services provided by the Department of Social Development.
Mpho Mpela, a social worker from the department, asks the community to adhere to the processes.
“We want to help everyone but we find that people always compare cases and assume that we have favouritism.
“Every case is different.”
She says that it is the department’s goal to alleviate the community of substance abuse but the participants have to be willing.
“Once you decide that you no longer want to be an addict, we will do everything possible to help you through that process.”
Dr Eva Seobi, community leader and one of the women of the prayer group, encouraged the young men to find solace in God.
“God’s purpose for your life doesn’t change just because you made a mistake.
“You can still be everything God created you to be.”
She encouraged those who want to go back to school to register their details with the group and they will be assisted.
Prayer was at the order of the day as the women reached out to these young men.
The women also brought soup, bread and toiletries for them.
Follow us on our social media platforms: