A number of South African celebrities have come clean about their journey to sobriety over the past year or so.
And although many of the celebs who have come clean about their addiction would love to put that part of their lives behind them, we want to celebrate them for being an inspiration to South Africans.
From Trevor Gumbi overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, to Nina Hastie who have also recently opened up about their addictions, these celebrities are a true inspiration to all of us.
Here are nine of the most inspirational celebs who overcame addiction.
1. Trevor Gumbi
It is no secret that Trevor Gumbi has had a long and tumultuous journey with his addiction.
The comedian has always been open about his journey to sobriety and leaving drugs in his rear-view mirror.
But what surprised a lot of us was when he recently opened up about wanting to quit alcohol.
This week Trevor celebrated 60 out of his 100 day challenge of no alcohol and cigarettes. We’re rooting for you Trevor!
2. Mobi Dixon
32-year-old Mabi Ntuli’s story is one of true inspiration.
Known by stage name, Mobi Dixon, the DJ and house music producer kicked his addiction in 2011.
The man behind the smash hit, City Rains has been open about how his addiction almost cost him his music career.
But thanks to rehab, the star is now sober and rocking dancefloors across Mzansi.
3. Hugh Masekela
Legendary Jazz musician, Bra Hugh Masekela rocked the nation in the late 90s and early 2000s when he shared details of his drug and alcohol addiction.
After having been an addict for many years, Bra Hugh told the media back in 2001 that he had to quit because he realized that addiction had become a “respectable culture” in Mzansi.
The late icon won his battle with the addiction and went on to start a rehab programme, helping other performers to stop abusing substances.
4. DJ Sox
The revelation that DJ Sox was once a drug addict was also another shocker.
The DJ and producer whose real name is Mbuso Sokhela, opened up to Move Magazine about his journey to sobriety in 2015.
Back then, he told the publication that he was in his fourth year as a recovering addict.
The superstar DJ moved on to rekindle some friendships that he had lost because of the drugs and also started raising awareness about the dangers of abusing drugs.
5. Nina Hastie
Popular South African comedian turned television and radio host, Nina Hastie’s story is nothing short of remarkable.
In addition to battling with the emotional scars of having been raped at an early age, Nina has also over drug and alcohol abuse as well as mental health issue.
This formidable force of a women has triumphed over all of that now and has been speaking about openly to encourage young women in her position.
WATCH: NINA HASTIE ON OVERCOMING RAPE AND ADDICTION!
6. Riky Rick
The hip-hop industry is notoriously full of rappers who are always high on something.
So when a rapper comes out as a drug addict, we tend not to be all that shocked.
But what we often forget when we praise these rappers for the incredible albums and the lit performance after performance, is that behind all of that there is a person who is struggling.
In 2015, Riky Rick went onto the Vuzu reality show, I Am, and spoke about overcoming his drug addiction.
Riky said that it was hard for people in his position to speak about addiction but he did it just to help inspire someone who might have been watching.
7. Kelly Khumalo
Kelly Khumalo’s career in the spotlight spans over 18 years.
The singer and songwriter has been through so much in the media that it is easy to forget how this queen overcame drug addiction to become one of the most popular musicians of our time.
In 2016, she sat down with Sizwe Dhlomo for an exclusive interview called Behind the Story: Kelly Khumalo.
During the show, Kelly opened up for the first time about her drug abuse, even admitting to getting high at church.
8. Vusi Nova
In 2016, the nation was shook to learn that music maestro, Vusi Nove had allegedly blown R5 million in a period of 10 months, most of which was used on drugs.
The money was the inheritance he received when his mother died.
The singer later admitted that the rumours were true saying: “I wanted to warn others to be aware and avoid falling into the same trap. It was stupid of me and I’m not proud of it. That is why I want it to be a lesson to others”.
I don’t care what people say – I’m clean now!
9. Kabelo Mabalane
We end off our countdown with a man who has been a vocal champion in the fight against drug abuse.
Not only did Kabelo Mabalane manage to overcome his drug addiction, he changed his life around, found a new passion in fitness and went on to inspire millions of South African to live healthier, more responsible lives.
