Disheshe Motsene (39) from Moteong Section, Thembisa, has been working tirelessly under his NPO to fight the notable increase of drug abuse in the community through the arts.
Dinkindja Legacy NPO is dedicated to combating the challenges of drug addiction by reintegrating former addicts into society through the transformative power of the arts, poetry, music, dance, and fashion.
They champion the fight for the youth by offering skills development in arts and culture, sports, recreation and ICT.
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The mission is to empower young people to reclaim their lives, build a brighter future, and contribute meaningfully to their communities by offering them a second chance in life.
Motsene founded the NPO, Dinkindja Legacy NPO, on June 18, 2020.
It was driven by a deep commitment to making a real impact in his community.
He witnessed firsthand how drugs were devastating youth in the community and knew action was needed.
He said the NPO’s mission is to provide a lifeline through the arts, skills development, and technology, helping young people break free from addiction and build a hopeful future.
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The inspiration for giving back to the community stems from a desire to create equal opportunities for the underprivileged.
By providing these individuals with the tools and support they need, he aims to help them improve their lives, sustain their families, and contribute to building a better, equitable society.
Motsene said he wished to spread positivity within the community.
“What solidified my journey as a philanthropist was the support I received from the community and other nonprofits.
“Through collaboration, we successfully rehabilitated individuals and provided them with a second chance.
“These fulfilling moments of positive change and the impact on people’s lives have been a powerful source of inspiration, motivating me to persevere despite the challenges.
“Many communities struggle with drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth, which often leads to crime and teenage pregnancy.
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“We combat these social issues by organising workshops for awareness, hosting educational events, and collaborating with other nonprofits to achieve sustainable outcomes.
“Our goal is to address these challenges head-on and foster positive change in our communities.”
This year, readers can expect an increased focus on skills development, expanded collaborations with other organisations, and greater involvement from both government and corporate partners.
The NPO plans to host a multidisciplinary arts festival this month with music, arts, dance, and fashion exhibitions.
Together, they aim to strengthen their fight against the ongoing challenges of drug and substance abuse, working towards a more effective and sustainable impact.
“In 2023, we faced significant challenges because of limited resources and a lack of networking connections.
“However, through persistent effort and dedication, sacrificing and actively reaching out, we could support organisations in facilitating rehabilitation for individuals in need.
“In 2024, we began attending workshops and training sessions to gain valuable knowledge, which opened up new opportunities for us to apply for funding and build a robust network.
“This strategic approach has positioned us to collaborate more effectively and make a substantial impact in our community,” said Motsene.
