“There is no dustbin to throw people in.” This is a popular saying that demonstrates the importance of never writing people off.
Kgosimang Segalo nearly lost everything due to drug addiction and is now a recovering addict focused on his education.
Segalo’s journey with drugs started in 2015 while he was attending the University of the Free State (UFS), studying Psychology. He wanted to fit in, and during his final year, he began using drugs, primarily Methcathinone, known as CAT. Introduced to CAT in Bloemfontein nightclubs, he recalls it being a trend believed to make party-goers hyper for long nights.
His addiction spiraled for ten years, transitioning from CAT to crystal meth and mandrax. This addiction led to devastating consequences, including dropping out of university just three modules short of completing his degree.
It took Segalo eight years to acknowledge he had a serious drug problem. He was in denial for a long time, believing he could control his habit. Unfortunately, the effects of drug use were far-reaching; in 2017, he lost an international scholarship to study Forensic Psychology at the University of Istanbul in Turkey after a medical test revealed drugs in his system.
By 2023, feeling the weight of his struggle, Segalo confided in his parents about his addiction and sought help. They encouraged him to speak to social workers. However, he was embarrassed to attend sessions at Moroka Hospital in Thaba Nchu after finding out that the assigned social worker had been a classmate at UFS.
In January 2025, Segalo discovered the New Life New Birth Rehab, a Christian-led rehabilitation center in Thaba Nchu. This center emphasized prayer, fasting, and spiritual growth, which proved instrumental in his recovery journey.
Gradually, Segalo began to grow spiritually, lost his desire for drugs, and was discharged in September last year. He then returned to school, enrolling at UNISA (University of South Africa) to finish the modules he had left incomplete at UFS. However, he requires assistance paying his fees as he is not eligible for NSFAS funding.
“I advise the youth to stay away from drugs; there is nothing good they can bring into your life. They will destroy you and take everything away,” he said. He shared that what he appreciates about New Life New Birth Rehab is its foundation in God, reinforcing his belief that everything is possible with divine support. Now, he attends church, prays, and fasts, attributing his recovery to God’s power.
On 6 April, Segalo celebrated one year of sobriety. He actively shares his journey with current addicts and individuals at New Life New Birth to inspire hope that overcoming addiction is possible.
“I am grateful for the grace I received. I wish the same for those battling addiction; it’s not easy to recover after so long,” he expressed. Segalo urges young people to avoid drugs and resist peer pressure.
Today, he is a renewed person who has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His relationships with family and neighbors have improved, and he is determined to finish his degree.
To assist Segalo with his UNISA fees, you can contact him at 065 527 3167.
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