CHUNKY CHANCE

Malusi C Ntimbane, a 28-year-old man was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was born from affectionate parents who made sure that all he sought after was made accessible. He was born in Umlazi, which is on the southeastern side of KwaZulu-Natal Province, and grew up in St Georgie's town in South Africa.

"Everything was done for me at home, l never lacked anything. l always had money and that made everything to become so close. I did not even realize the journey l was getting into, l was just living. My world lost its innocence. It became colder, colder than I could remember. I found myself at the mercy of nyaope" said Malusi.

Malusi was in grade 11 when he started using drugs since he had lots of money to burn and this ultimately pilot him to drop out of Matric. Nyaope is a popular drug in the townships of South Africa. It consists of a mixture of either heroin or dagga to which other harmful substances can be added. Experts reveal that a person can become highly addicted after using the first smoke of nyaope. A user will soon feel as if he needs several hits to make it through the day. Users usually experience a sense of excitement and relaxation but these effects soon wear off and another hit is required.

"It was like my eyes had been shut l started hanging out with friends who wanted to track me down into their costumes and turn me into one of them", added Malusi.

His family wailed in sorrow for the path that he had chosen as he pursued a life of the street.

"l just envied that type of lifestyle because of the drugs that l was taking the addiction had become so strong. My family tried to knock some sense into my head but l persisted and stayed on the street despite many attempts and lots of money being paid for me to attend rehab yet still l did not want to" further alluded Malusi.

The fountain of cash that he had begun to run out while he was on the streets.

"I sold everything l had and this resulted in me being bankrupt. I became someone with sticky fingers housebreaking, fraud, car hijacking and shoplifting became lifecycle. I have been in and out of jail nine times. I had not accepted that l had a problem three years on the street it then dawned on me that l had a problem it took me three more years for me to finally move out of the street. It all starts with you admitting that you have a problem and that you are powerless and this thing is from the devil you need to stand up for yourself," he said.

He made up his mind to attend rehab with SANCA, South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The rehabilitation procedure usually begins with an assessment meeting with a qualified counselor who will determine the extent of the addiction. The longer the people use the substance the more deep-rooted it becomes in their day-to-day life and it becomes harder to manage.

"My family was supportive. When l was there l met up with a friend Thokozani Hlatshwayo who had overcome this predicament. He introduced me to another Organization the Tree of Unity. This is where l meet up with Rickson Gange the Founder of the Organization who then took me in under the Organizations wings straight after checking out of rehab and l have been clean ever since. This organization provides food and accommodation for me", said Malusi.

Everyone deserves a second chance.

"l am a part-time mechanic now and l want to finish my Matric and start my own company. Every day for me is chance to give back to individuals who stride through the Tree of Unity Offices showing them a glimpse of life without drugs. l do not want anything that draws me back and l am thankful for my friends who have been in the same dilemma who understand me and lift my spirit. I am moving forward, God is good, evil spirits have no hold on me. I desire a better life for myself and be there for my children l have a lot of making up to do", concluded Malusi.