After struggling with the addiction for six years, Paseka
Cingi (34) from Sebokeng zone 14 said he does not blame anyone for his actions
but himself. He said he knew he was the only one with the power to refuse
temptation of nyaope.
 
Cingi said nyaope is like a demon that targets young people,
and once you are hooked you will never get out unless you get help. “At the age
of nineteen I owned Corner Bree Car wash before drugs messed up my life. I used
to make a profit of R250 a day and all that vanished after I started using
nyaope”.
 
“I think if families and civil society can double
their efforts in fight against this monster, things can change for the better.
It is difficult in that world and people don’t understand, hence, sometimes
they call us “Bo Nyaope”. Cingi was speaking on the sideline of the handing
over of three trucks by the Gauteng Department of Social Development to be used
by the Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to create awareness on drug abuse the at
Saul Tsotetsi Community Hall in Sebokeng on Wednesday.
 
An optimistic Cingi said these trucks will come in
handy to reach out too many people especially young people who are battling
with the addiction. “I know there are so many brothers and sisters out there
who are battling with drugs, some need help, and they don’t know where to go”.
 
He applauded government’s efforts to increase
awareness on the effects of alcohol and substance abuse because it destroys
lives, families and communities. “I was listening to State of the Province by
the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, announcing that government will intensify
its diversion, treatment and rehabilitating programs to those who have fallen victim
to the scourge of drugs”.
 
“I was reached through drug awareness campaign in 2014
which was held in Evaton, so I have much hope that through Ke Moja gig trucks
many will be reached.”
 
Through a Social Worker in 2015, Cingi was taken to Dr
Fabian & Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, a state owned rehabilitation
centre in Cullinan, after realising that his life had taken the wrong turn and
the addiction was hurting his mother as he was the only child.
 
“I’m so thankful to the Social Workers and Counsellors
at the centre for being patient with me, because when I started it was hard, but
they encouraged me and gave me hope to stay clean and sober. Through their
assistance, I’ve accepted who I am and learned to be grateful for what I have.”
 
“I know that It might take some time for me to get a job
due to the bad record I have, but I will use this opportunity to reach out to
individuals who are battling with substance abuse to seek help. I can turn my
life around and do the right thing, as long as I’m sober,” said Cingi.
 
He urged substance users and recovering addicts to make
use of the rehabilitation centres, as the services offered there are very
helpful.
 
“There is life and hope in recovery, please check yourselves
into rehab centres. Take it easy and one day at a time” he concluded.