From running drugs to running the Comrades
Muzi Gumede (38) from eSikhaleni knows what he is talking about. Drug abuse turned him into a street beggar
A FORMER drug addict and drug runner has warned the youth to refrain from experimenting with drugs.
Muzi Gumede (38) from eSikhaleni knows what he is talking about. Drug abuse turned him into a street beggar.
He spent five years of his life doing drugs, and like many young boys growing up in the township, he started smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol as a teenager.
‘I was then introduced to dagga, and later started smoking Mandrax mixed with dagga.
‘I used to go to nightclubs where I was introduced to Ecstasy and heroin. It made me feel good and helped me to dance and party the whole night’ he said.
‘My relationship with my family broke down because I was stealing from the family business to get money to buy drugs. The business was eventually liquidated.
‘I wanted to get away from my family as they were nagging me, preaching at me to stop doing drugs.
‘That’s when I ended up on the streets.’
He said drug dealers would hire the street kids to sell drugs and pay them with a small portion of the drugs.
But if they failed to sell or misused the money, the drug lords would assault them.
He soon realised he was living a dangerous life and after witnessing one of his friends being beaten up, he approached his family for help.
‘After five years I opted to go back home to seek help and my two sisters introduced me to me SANCA Zululand
‘There I was referred to a rehabilitation centre, and spent three months detoxing,’ said Gumede.
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New start
Today Gumede runs a non-profit organisation called ‘Bhekithemba Drugs and Substance Abuse’ where he helps drug addicts who are preparing to go to rehab, and supports them as they leave rehab some time later.
‘We also have the Muzi Sport and Wellness Centre, a free community gym. I have been involved in sport since 2013 and participated in three Comrades Marathons since then.
‘I would like to urge families not to turn their backs on their children when they face drug challenges. There are people who can help.’
His message to those who are curious about doing drugs: ‘Take it from me, it is very hard to quit. So it’s better not to experiment with it,’ he warned.
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