POLOKWANE – What was supposed to be a move to further her studies almost ended in tragedy for Tikva Magadzi.
A former drug addict, Magadzi’s says she has learnt her lesson the hard way, and is now using her life experiences to motivate people not to follow in her footsteps.
Originally from Giyani, she moved to Johannesburg to further her studies, but everything changed when she became involved with the wrong people, and started taking drugs.
“I forgot the reason why I was in Johannesburg and turned into a party animal. I dated a well-known musician who introduced drugs into my life. My family lost their trust in me and disowned me. I had to earn their trust back by going to a rehabilitation centre. My body changed to such an extent that people who knew me did not recognise me,” explains Magadzi.
She says life was tough after being on drugs, but she kept on pushing until she got back on her feet.
She is now the founder and owner of Tiktvahope Foundation, and visits various correctional centres around the country to share her life experience with offenders. She has been involved in prison ministry for six years and says she enjoys interacting with the people.
I thought my life came to an end when I was involved in a serious car accident. The doctors told me that not a lot of people survive the kind of accident I was involved in. I survived the car crash and drugs because of the grace of God.
She says people should not give up no matter what happens to them, and that God is too wise to make a mistake.
Magadzi says she had to go through drug addiction to see her purpose in life and people should not give up when life gets tough.
According to her, she also nearly lost her life on 23 December 2002. “One of my friends was involved in Satanism and she was assigned to kill me for their Christmas celebration.
“She confessed all her bad doings and asked me to save her from her misery. That was when I realised God is indeed with me.”
She encourages people to stay focused and keep on working hard until they live their dreams and achieve their goals.
