ZUZEKA NOMVALO

DRUG usage by young people in the rural town of Umzimkhulu has become a major concern, although there are various initiatives implemented to fight the scourge. A young drug addict in Umzimkhulu who wanted to remain anonymous started smoking whoonga while in jail in 2008 but now regrets the decision.

He said drugs worsened his life. 

“I hate drugs with all my heart,” he said while interacting with the Post.

He dropped out of school in Grade 9 to look after his younger siblings after the passing of their mother.

After he worked as a taxi conductor for many years, things took a different turn when he ended up in jail for a crime he did not disclose.

“Drug addiction started when I was in jail and is a problem until today,” he stated.

Although he attempted to stop using drugs but lapsed due to addiction, he has appealed for help.

He is currently running a barbershop with his friends in the street corners of the Umzimkhulu town.

He has no place to live after his family chased him away. He sleeps on the street corners or sometimes with friends.

Umzimkhulu Local Municipality youth manager Adam Sikhosana said the municipality conducts drug awareness programmes to alleviate the problem of drugs that continue to destroy the youth.

“Together with SAPS, we facilitate workshops and rehabilitation programmes to help those who are willing to stop using drugs,” Sikhosana said.