THE FIRST HIT
It feels like it was just yesterday when I heard of the astonishing news that Kabelo had voluntarily admitted himself at Houghton House to undergo treatment for DRUG addiction. When the news was announced, there was no indication in my lifestyle, that 9 years later I would find myself in the same predicament, experimenting with illicit drugs and consequently addicted in the process.
During my DRUG addiction treatment at Empilweni in 2017, one of my fondest memories was gathering around the TV area, with fellow recovering addicts to watch a television show called Kick It. The show aired on Friday evenings on SABC 2, presented by musician, pastor, recovering addict, businessman, author and runner Kabelo Mabalane, one of the most inspirational and influential persons of our era.
THE START OF INFLUENCED
On any other day at the facility, loud arguments would often ensue over the remote control and which channel to watch, but not on Friday nights. On this day there was an unspoken unanimity on the preferred show. At precisely 08:00 pm, we would all sit silently on a couch, eagerly waiting for the show to start. The wait felt like an eternity.
The show would eventually start, with the opening sequence showing Kabelo running in slow motion at a serene location with the scenery resembling Emarentia Dam. The theme song would be playing softly in the background, followed by Bouga 2 Shoes introducing himself: “My name is Kabelo Mabalane, at the age of 19 I was a rock star, I had it all, including DRUGS and alcohol. But you don’t have to be a rock star to get ADDICTED. DRUG and alcohol abuse is destroying countless LIVES in communities. Users are desperate for help. They want self RESPECT. They want to lead normal lives again, they want to KICK IT.” The words “Kick It” would appear on the TV screen with a silhouette of the renowned Kwaito star.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, REHABILITATION!
It was at that moment that I felt a thrill hopefulness as the show proceeded, showing Kabelo visiting dingy DRUG dens and giving viewers rarely seen visual images into the world of substance abuse and interviewing those who are directly and indirectly impacted. It sent chills down my spine.
I got to watch startling stories about why people continue to use DRUGS despite the devastating aftereffects. Additionally, I learned on this show that addiction does not only impact the addicts, but their families too, and the community at large. It was on this show that I got to learn the staggering statistics that 15 out of 100 South Africans have a DRUG problem and that 12 years is the average age of DRUG use in our country.
My favourite and the most memorable episode are where Kabelo shared his own personal story of DRUG addiction and how as much as he has been sober for a very long time, it is important for him to stay connected to the world of addiction to remind himself just how far he has come. He spoke candidly about the 5 days DRUG binges, and how he nearly overdosed on one occasion and had to be hospitalised thinking he was having a heart attack. Second to that was when Kabelo visited our treatment centre and interviewed our DRUG addiction counsellor, a lady who has played a significant role in my recovery, whom we all affectionately referred to as Sister Monica.
RUNNING THE MARATHON OF LIFE
In today’s times, Kabelo’s name has become synonymous with healthy living and leading a sobriety lifestyle, and it’s almost a forgotten fact that this is the same man who at the peak of his musical career brought us to smash hit songs like “Pantsula For Life”, “For As Long Ngisaphefumula” and “Zonke”. This is the same iconic figure who has opened shows for the likes of 50 cent, Jigga and other international acts.
Of all his incredible achievements in the music industry and fitness space, being sober and in recovery for 20 years must be his greatest accomplishment not only in his personal accord but for the recovering community at large. I am extremely proud of this “grootman” and find his work to be incredibly inspiring. I was pleasantly surprised when about 2 years ago, I heard the news from fellow runners that he had launched a state-of-the-art fitness centre called Kumo in Sandton, named after his son. I was even more astonished when I heard he had written a book titled I Ran For My Life which is on my to-read list.
Kabelo is exemplary that life post-recovery from DRUG use is possible, and that dreams, despite all the time, wasted chasing a high, can still be accomplished. It is never too late to stop. Congratulations Kabelo Mabalane for achieving 20 years in sobriety, and may God keep you sober for the remainder of your existence.
Gugulethu ‘GK’ Khoza is recovering addict who has turned his life around and will regularly share his experiences to inspire and help young men recover from addiction. More of his stories to follow. Edited by Tumelo Mabua
Hi I would like to become one of the influential people to remember on my community.which is based on a small township Embalenhle one of the unsafe community which is filled with Drug abuse and addiction