One way to build a future

MOKOPANE – Aga Sechaba Community Project is a non-profit organisation that partners with its communities to fight the Nyaope drug use.

Aga Sechaba, which means “building a nation” in Sotho, was established in 2008. Lehlogonolo Ledwaba, the founding member and chairperson says that Aga Sechaba’s main objective is to provide information about drug abuse, skills transfer and job creation opportunities for unemployed youth. “I know only well of the challenges that young people face when they are addicts because I was once addicted to heroin,” he said.

Ledwaba’s own life story is an inspiration to the youth. He was exposed to drugs at a young age and was expelled from various high schools until he dropped out of school in Grade 10. He was arrested 13 times and says that he sold drugs at a number of upmarket clubs around Gauteng.

He was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport in 2002 after attempting to smuggle narcotics into SA and was sentenced two years in prison. After he was released, he got involve with Better Man, an entrepreneurial organisation which inspired him to start his own brick layering business.

Aga Sechaba includes an entrepreneurship programme that has helped five rehabilitated youths to start their own small businesses. Aga Schaba holds monthly sport events that includes soccer and netball. It offers counseling and physical exercises to young addicts (some young as 12).

“Most of these addicts are willing to start building their future, some are drop-outs but are eager to go back to schools,” says Ledwaba.