malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
NYASHA Gonzo, the chairperson of Mozambique-bound Batsiranai Traditional Dance Group, has a remarkable tale to tell.
For five years, the 28-year-old was hooked on drugs, which often landed her in trouble with family, friends and neighbours.
“I was a nuisance, to say the least. I was constantly clashing with family members over petty issues,” he said.
Although he was a promising automotive engineering student, he had to drop out of college after squandering tuition fees.
Somewhere along the way, he, however, had a moment of epiphany.
He not only lives a drug-free life, but now leads an entertainment group that is made up 20 former drug addicts.
“One day, we decided to attend a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign function, which was organised by the Mufakose Community Gym Club,” Gonzo told The Sunday Mail Entertainment.
“After counselling, I decided to quit drugs,” he said.
But quitting drugs was not a stroll in the park.
“It took me several months to completely wean myself off drugs. Being an active member of the dance group helped,” he said.
Monica Tsiga, another member of the group who was also into drugs, chronicled how she got into drugs and the journey she travelled as she fought drug addiction.
“My friends lured me into drugs … I always clashed with my parents; I was very rude and at times violent,” she recalled.
Convinced that she was wasting her life, the 30-year-old decided to quit drugs.
“I received counselling and became a member of the group. However, for six months, I struggled to fend off my addition,” she said.
Being a member of the dance group helped in her rehabilitation process.
“I was now spending a lot of time doing rehearsals. Those who were counselling me even advised me to become a member of a church, which I did.
“I am happy to say that I am now 100 percent drug-free,” she said.
Within six months, Batsiranai has risen to become one of the country’s cultural ambassadors.
“In October, we are going on a month-long tour of Mozambique as part of a cultural exchange programme.
“We are going to showcase our skills in schools and resort areas, and at festivals,” Monica said.
This is the first time that she will travel to a foreign country.
On the local scene, the group is part of the Mufakose Community Gym “No to Drugs” awareness team.
Apart from traditional dance, the group also specialises in poetry, drama and contemporary dances.
Recently, it performed at the Muka Africa Business Expo and the Chamba Chamakole Dance Festival.
Tongai Nheta, the patron of the Mufakose Community Gym and the man who is credited with helping the group, said Batsiranai has a bright future.
“This group is made up of determined and dedicated youths, whose aim is to help fight the drug scourge. Basing on how this group conducts its business, a great future lies ahead,” Nheta said.
He urged members of the public to support the group in any way possible.
“I know for sure that some of the members of the group have not completely stopped taking drugs. We are trying to keep them as busy as they can so that they can stop this dangerous habit,” he said.
Online Reporter