New Redruth’s Ian Naidoo has made a great comeback after his life took a bad turn, almost leading to a tragic end.
Eight years later, he is a changed man, determined to fight the scourge of drug use and addiction by getting addicts off the streets.
From as young as 14, he led an imprudent life which deteriorated as he grew older. It was not long before he joined the wrong company, leading him into addiction and the pressures of life worsening his situation.
“Eight years ago, I lived on the streets of Turffontein after I had lost everything. I used to be a crystal meth addict and smoked over R600 000 away on crystal meth in just over two months. I come from a Christian home and was familiar with the Christian orientation,” explained Ian.
Despite his Christian background, Ian had found himself taking a different path in life.
“I was on the verge of murdering to get my next fix. I was down to my last R50 after two months of smoking crystal meth. My only alternative was to take a life. When I first got into addiction, I found myself gambling and was not into it. I was, fortunately, taken to a Christian rehab by my family. They had found me after I had long disappeared with no one knowing where I was,” he said.
Rises from ashes
As he made his way to rehab, he recalled seeing a short prayer that would determine the direction of his life.
Now, several years later, Ian is a qualified web designer, a pastor and a lecturer at the North West Bible College, happily married to Veshnee.
“God gave us a vision to open a rehab and help those suffering from addiction, substance abuse and gambling.
This project is very close to my heart. Addiction took me to a dark place. I know what it means to have everything and lose it all. And God has laid it upon my heart and my wife to step into ministry, particularly in the area of addiction,” said Ian.
With his wife, he intends to get men back to functioning in society to raise their families and be good fathers.
“We are applying for funding and are legally compliant as an entity. We need any assistance or partnership with organisations and corporates in the community to assist us to start rehab in Alberton and surrounding areas as we grow gradually. We’re looking to run a nine-month recovery curriculum, also dealing with psychological issues and backgrounds,” he explained.
Veshnee reiterated that this is close to their hearts.
“We have done anything that needs to be done in terms of going forward. It’s now just getting funding and partnering with the right organisations to collectively eradicate this pandemic [drug use] in the area. We need property to put them in a programme,” she said.
Should you wish to partner with the Naidoos, call Ian on 079 982 5736.
