Lesedi Foundation to assist addicts in getting clean

POLOKWANE – Tebogo Pearlma Mathoko is using her experience to help others through the Lesedi Foundation which was launched on February 19.

The 34-year-old resident from Makgodu village is a recovering substance addict who is giving an opportunity for a better life to other addicts. She founded the Lesedi Foundation in June 2021 because she wanted to help those who still struggle to get clean.

“I was an addict for over 10 years and I have been clean for three years and counting,” she said.

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Mathoko explained that her journey to redemption was not an easy one. She was at a crossroad where she had two options: To commit suicide or change her life and she chose the latter. “I was literally a hobo and lived on the streets. I had become a thief and my life was a total mess,” she explained.

She shared that her substance abuse started with influence from her friends. She was trying to fit in with her friends and the celebrities she was surrounded by because she studied at a prestigious institute.

Mathoko became a prisoner of the addiction and at her lowest, she recalls she would have hallucinations. “I lost everything including my dignity. I come from a respected family and I disgraced them. I was a lawyer by profession, I got struck off the roll and lost my practicing license,” she said.

She added that she knew when it was time to quit. She was ready to change her life and she didn’t seek help, she quit on her own. “I had to distance myself from the people I used to smoke with and avoid all the triggers. It took a lot of discipline. As hard as it is to quit, it’s still possible, I did it. It starts with you. There’s help and we as the Lesedi Foundation are here to provide you with that help,” she added.

Mathoko explained that the main objective of the foundation is to eradicate substance abuse and create a drug-free community.

She added that she would like to empower the youth by offering basic skills training like basic computer lessons, farming, woodwork, welding and other programmes that will be added with time.

“Although the main focus is on those who are addicted to substances, the programmes will be made accessible to the youth who are interested,” she said.

The programmes are currently running at Ramogwana Primary School in Makgodu village. She added that it is never too late to get out, it is not easy but it is possible.

“A drug fuelled life is as good as being dead or being a prisoner in your own life. Recovery starts from within,” she said.