Hope After Addiction: My Path to Recovery and Redemption through God’s Grace

The journey of Andrew Keketso Sefolo, a 31-year-old man who experienced emotional abandonment and abuse, transformed his life of substance abuse into one of purpose through God’s grace.

Sis’ Mantoa, when I was only 16 years old, I didn’t realize that my mother was also suffering after separating from my father. My relationship with my mother was strained, and I yearned for my father’s love. I felt emotionally abused by my mother and neglected and abandoned by my father. Despite living in a decent house in Centurion, Pretoria, thanks to my mother’s good job, I felt a profound void at home. I longed for a typical family setting with both a mother and a father, which led to endless conflicts with my mother. Eventually, she kicked me out of the house.

I found myself living under bridges, on the streets, and in parks. It felt like a generational curse from my father’s side, as they had a history of substance abuse.

At the age of 16, I began smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol with friends, continuing this lifestyle until I was 20. I eventually became addicted to codeine, contained in cough syrups. To get high, I mixed Benylin cough syrup or Stilpane cough syrup with Sprite, seeking a similar effect to heroin.”

I bought Benylin cough syrup or Stilpane syrup from local pharmacies daily, and none of the pharmacists questioned my frequent purchases. Sometimes, a man sold these syrups in bulk to me and my friends. The cough syrup provided a sleepy, drowsy, and ‘good’ feeling, much like heroin, which helped numb the emotional pain I endured at home.

I left the streets and went to stay with my grandmother. She lent me her car, and I drove her to work. My grandmother trusted me with her bank card, but I took advantage of this by stealing R90 a day, an amount small enough to avoid bank notifications for transactions under R100. I used the stolen money to buy drugs. Eventually, my grandmother discovered my actions and asked me to leave her house.

I sought refuge in a church, where I experienced temporary healing and stayed drug-free for two months. I enrolled in tertiary studies and used my grandmother’s car to start a biscuit business. The business was successful, earning between R800 and R1,200 per day, totaling around R25,000 per month. Unfortunately, I spent my entire income on lean and drugs. When my grandmother discovered my continued substance abuse, she asked me to leave her house.

I began dating a wealthy young woman who appeared to have her own troubles, similar to mine. My substance use escalated, and she would buy drugs every day. At 24 years old, in 2018, I started using KAT, a drug similar to cocaine.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the confinement worsened my addiction. By 2021, I had become a severe drug addict, having progressed to using crystal meth and psilocybin mushrooms. In August 2021, I secured a learnership but never attended the program. Although I received a R2,100 stipend, I used this money to buy drugs. After three months, it was discovered that I had not attended classes, and my stipend was terminated. I then applied for a social grant, which unfortunately fueled my addiction further.

I ventured into music, where I was often paid with drugs instead of money. After eight years away, I decided to return home and restart my life. However, I relapsed after having a fight with my mother, who once again kicked me out of the house.

Fortunately, on the same day, I found a job as a bus conductor, which lasted for six months. I borrowed R2,100 for rent during that period, but once my contract ended, I ended up back on the streets.

While on the streets, I nearly overdosed on drugs and nearly died. I walked more than 10 kilometers to a private hospital but was denied assistance due to lacking medical aid. I was then transferred to Steve Biko Government Hospital, where I was also refused treatment. Extremely weak, I slept in the hospital’s toilets for three days. On the third day, I woke up, sold my Bluetooth speaker, and used the money to buy a loaf of bread.

I returned to Ga-Rankuwa and stayed with my grandmother again. Despite this, I continued using drugs, and my friends turned their backs on me. Feeling lost, I went to the mountains in Pretoria, where I encountered a group of people from a church dressed in white caftans and praying. I decided to join them. They prayed for me and offered me a blanket to sleep with. Since that moment, I have not looked back. I gave my life to God and found a new direction.

I secured a job as a Chef Braai Master at a prominent chain restaurant, and things seemed promising. My boss offered free accommodation, which initially appeared generous. However, I soon realized that this ‘perk’ came with a steep price. My boss began making unwanted sexual advances, which I promptly rejected. Despite my clear refusal, the harassment persisted daily. The situation escalated until my boss’s intentions became alarmingly clear: he sought to exploit me sexually. I resisted his advances steadfastly, but the harassment continued unabated. Eventually, my boss terminated my employment because I refused his demands. Sis’ Mantoa, men can perpetrate sexual violence against other men.

Any specific achievements since overcoming substance abuse?

I have been substance-free for 11 months. At 31 years old, I am happily married and have repaired my relationship with my mother. I now understand the pain I caused her while she raised me alone. I attend church regularly and work as a security guard for Fidelity Security Services. I am also planning to start a small side business to supplement my income.

Any advice or comments?

“Decide that you want a better life for yourself. Change begins with you. Your mental decision is crucial because you live for yourself, not for others.”