Sifiso helps youngsters beat drugs

A recovered drug addict Sifiso Sibeko (33) has devoted his time and energy and opened his house to those struggling to beat the drug and alcohol habits that have taken over their lives.

Sifiso says he has been clean for three years and has been helping others for more than two years.
“My wife and I have helped more than 50 addicts in the province.”

He recounted his struggle with drugs and alcohol, but said it all started at the tender age of six, when he became addicted to stealing.

“I stole money because it gave me a good feeling and made me feel important. My friends and bullies at school treated me differently when I had money. With money in my hands and pockets, everyone respected me,” said Sifiso.
Sifiso’s first encounter with illegal drugs was during his tertiary education where he was introduced to Ecstasy.

He later escalated the habit to cocaine when his wealthy friend and classmate suggested it over drinks at his house.

“The problem is I wanted to try everything. I fell for everything that came my way as I didn’t have direction and guidance, I just didn’t stand up for anything in my life and that is why all hell broke loose,” explained Sifiso.

He said things got worse when he began working and was involved in the entertainment business, where he could afford the lavish life style he had always dreamed of.

Seeing celebrities and other stars who were his friends made him think “doing drugs and alcohol” was a cool habit.
Without a vision in life, Sifiso thought life was all about partying.

“True to its nature, cocaine went with other addictions.

“I was also addicted to sex and found myself with multiple sexual partners and in many instances had unprotected sex. My work began to suffer as I could not cope anymore.

“I splashed all my money on drugs. R20 000 would be gone in three days through drugs and alcohol,” explained S’fiso.

He said the habit became expensive to keep and started selling all his belongings, including a car he had bought in his mother’s name.

He later explained his problem to his employer and he went to rehab for a month, only to learn about new drugs.
“In rehab I listened to what others were doing and how they were doing it and decided I had to try that when I got out.

“The first day after rehab my friends took me out to celebrate my homecoming.

“They bought me alcohol and the circle began all over again. I’ve been to five rehabilitation centres in total.”
He said his turning point came when he realised he was dying a slow death. He was high every day, always in denial and could not go a week without drugs and alcohol.

He resigned from work and told himself he needed to claim his life back or lose the little he had left of it.

“My wife, Tidimalo Sibeko, a God-fearing woman, was my salvation. I met her at work and it was hard for her to deal with me when I relapsed.

“She was the only person who stood by me when the whole world had turned against me.”

He says they are giving addicts love, shelter, warmth and a sense of belonging. They mainly use the Word of God to help others and they have opened their home to such brothers and sisters.

He says they normally take in a maximum of five people because of space, offer them life skills and spiritual guidance, and teach them woodwork and gardening.

Sifiso has also made a plea to the municipality to assist them with a bigger space in order to help more people.

He concluded by saying he is living proof that there is power in the Word of God to free any soul.

He also calls on parents and families with people struggling to beat the habit to contact him on 079 954 2449.