Daughters proud of their father’s fight against drug addiction

Siphesihle Ndabane (19) and her younger sister Siyanda Ndabane (12), told Kathorus MAIL they are happy that their father managed to quit nyaope.

March 12, 2020

Aaron Damane 2 minutes read

Andrew Kodisang (44) said after he defeated his addiction to nyaope, he was able to restore his relationship with his daughters.

Andrew Kodisang (44) told this publication that after he was introduced by some friends to nyaope, he lost everything he had and ended up dealing with the consequences all by himself.

He said he lost his belongings, including his house, furniture, cars, dogs, job and even his wife.

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During the interview, Kodisang also revealed that he was nearly killed by mob justice because of his involvement in crimes where he and his friends terrorised members of the community because they wanted money to buy nyaope. “I was nearly burnt alive by the mob justice,” said Kodisang. He added that he was saved by the police after the mob poured petrol on him and was about to torch him. “This was when I decided to change my life.”

He emphasised that his 19-year addiction made him lose everything he had worked hard for.

“Two reasons made me want to fight and defeat the addiction – being nearly torched alive and my biggest loss when I lost my family.

“The change started with me having the vision which I implemented four years ago by joining Kamva Elitsha Vosloorus Community-Based Services (KEVCBS) where they referred me to rehab. I got help from rehab and from there, I never looked back,” said Kodisang, who is now one of KEVCBS’ drug awareness campaigns leaders.

During a telephonic interview with Kathorus MAIL, Siphesihle said they never thought their father would beat the addiction.

“When I was 14 and in Grade Eight, I noticed that my father had a problem. Finding out affected me a lot because it got to a point where he sold everything that belonged to him and we were left with nothing at home as he was unable to provide for us,” said Siphesihle.

She is grateful for the relationship she and her sister were able to restore with their father. “What I like about him is how supportive he is now. Every time we need something from him he is there, unlike when he was living with the addiction.”

To other young people whose parents are addicted to substances, Siphesihle says:

“I think you should support your parents as your support will motivate them and will give reason to fight the addiction.

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“I personally helped my father by taking him to church, and this gave him reasons to seek help. Another thing I supported my dad with was that when everyone had bad things to say about him, I still treated him like my father and never gave up on him,” she added.

Siphesihle said she is happy about her father’s involvement in the fight against drugs in the township, stating: “It feels great that he is giving back to the community. I am proud of him. He eventually became a hero in our community.”