MZANSI has been showering a young man who went from being a nyaope addict to a graduate with love.
Reaobaka Chabalala (28) from Mogwase in Rustenburg, North West, told Daily Sun he was overwhelmed by the support he has received since graduating with a psychology degree from Unisa.
He said he started using drugs when he was a teenager, starting with cigarettes and dagga.
“The addiction got worse when I couldn’t further my studies after matric. I started stealing and was arrested for business burglary and theft. Fortunately, the case was withdrawn. I ended up living in the streets for nearly two years,” he said.
After losing friends to nyaope, he decided to quit in 2016, but it was not easy.
“I finally found help at a church-based rehabilitation centre called Church of Christ No Smoking,” he said.
Reaobaka said he got clean in 2017 and decided to further his studies.
“I borrowed money and asked family for assistance to get a laptop, books and other resources,” he said.
He said to make sure he didn’t relapse, he stayed away from people who used drugs. He advised young people not to touch drugs.
“A life of drugs is a life of crime, jail and death. But a life without drugs is prosperous and bright,” he said.
Reaobaka’s mum, Sylvia (44), told Daily Sun that she’s very proud of her son, who graduated cum laude.
“My son is a good example for many children who are into drugs that there is a second change for everyone to make it right,” she said.
