Addicts celebrate kicking the habit
Young people who struggled to kick the habit of an illegal street drug and decided to join the Operation Thiba Nyaope centre, celebrated their road to recovery with community members at Ivory Park, extension 15, on Saturday last week.
The secretary of Operation Thiba Nyaope, Bulelani Mbuthisi, welcomed the visitors and shared the purpose of the event.
The 30 former nyaope drug addicts spent three months at the centre recovering from their addiction. They were awarded certificates for successfully completing the rehabilitation programme.
During the rehabilitation programme, the youngsters were monitored by members from the centre, social worker Lindiwe Langa, their parents and volunteers from the community.
Nyaope is a powder-like substance, which combines rat-poison, heroin, anti-retroviral medications and dagga.
The Tembisan spoke to Sibusiso Mahlangu (26) from Mpumalanga, who said he was desperate to quit nyaope but did not know how until he heard of Operation Thiba Nyaope.
“I tried very hard to control myself from taking nyaope, but it was never easy. I started taking nyaope in 2008 together with some of my friends. At first, the high felt so good and it took me two weeks to start stealing to support my habit. I was never happy about the things I did, but I still kept using the drug,” he said.
Mahlangu who was ready to go home to face the challenges, and said all he wants is to build his future.
“During our rehabilitation, we were taught many things, like to love ourselves, to do good things, to always forgive, to be ourselves and to not blame ourselves for the things we did. The session was hard but with the support from the social worker, including everyone else who supported us, we came out alive,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bongani Zikalala from Esangweni section in Tembisa and a father of one, said he was ready to go out and work for his child.
“Nyaope nearly ruined my life, but I am happy and feeling blessed to have people who care about those who get destroyed or killed by drugs. I believe Operation Thiba Nyaope is still going to save lives and was formed for a good course. I urge young people to stop taking nyaope, as it kills. The consequences are bad, since it is a dangerous drug that leads to dangerous misconceptions,” he said.
The event was attended by members of SANCA, CLOVER, ward 77 counsellor Titus Mabotja, local pastors, extension 15 residents, Pick ‘n Pay staff and other community members. Some local artists also recited poems to entertain the audience.
Social Worker Lindiwe Langa said she was going to do follow ups to monitor the former addicts at their homes. “It has been a challenging and difficult programme. On their arrival, they sometimes resisted and run away, but when they came for the second period they persisted. What I have learnt from them is that they need to be listened to. Due to the lessons we had, the programme was a success. I gave them a lot of motivation and I hope they make me proud,” she said.
The President of Operation Thiba Nyaope, Terrance Dzeli, said that they are still fighting drugs in the society.
“Those who do not want to report nyaope means they are selling or supporting it. People should report police officials who take bribes from drug dealers. Remaining silent is not going to help, because the new generation in our country is dying from drug addiction. Our government should also help us in fighting the use of drugs,” he said.
Dzeli thanked everyone who made the event successful, especially those who sponsored the programme for the boys to ensure they did not go to bed on an empty stomach.
