18 Apr 2024

Gabz FM’s Breakfast in HD host, Kgosi Kgosidintsi has emphasised the need to take care of those affected by drug addiction to help combat the scourge, threatens the future of Botswana’s youths.

 “I have witnessed many individuals unable to take control of their lives due to drug addiction.

The drugs bring no positive outcomes; they only cause harm.”

A recovering drug addict, Kgosidintsi, who goes by the name DollarMac in the showbiz space, shared his insights during a mental health and substance abuse campaign organised by the Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) for artistes at Gaborone’s Tsholofelo Community Hall on Tuesday.

 DollarMac added that he himself had fallen into the trap of drug addiction, using substances such as ecstasy and cocaine, which led to overwhelming fear and sadness.

 Tragically, he added that a friend of his died while in a coma due to drug use, a moment that became a turning point for him.

“From the first time I took drugs, I became hooked. My main focus became how to recover from this addiction,” he said.

He advised those struggling with addiction to accept their problem as the first step toward recovery.

“If you want to recover, you can recover,” he added.

More on what drugs led him to, DollarMac said his addiction at some point led him to reckless behaviour and job loss, affecting his broadcasting career. Despite these challenges, he said he persevered, driven by his childhood dream of hosting a radio show.

“Radio has a powerful influence, and I wanted people to listen to my story,” he shared.

He acknowledged the difficulty of losing friends due to drugs.

However, he said it was important to prioritise oneself. Addressing the stress caused by drug abuse, DollarMac stressed the need to seek professional help.

 While he is not a professional, his goal, he added, was to share his story with the hope of resonating with others and inspiring positive change.

I will continue to advocate and raise awareness about the ongoing problem of drug abuse,” he said. His primary focus, he said, whould be on addressing the existing drug abuse because many individuals desired to quit drugs, which is an uphill battle.

Therefore, he added that persevering in providing support and raising awareness about the problem was key to ending problem bedevilling the society.

Also, he pleaded with the relevant authorities to be open to whistle-blowing so that drug deallers and drug lords could be taken to task.         

He said substance abuse was a prevalent course for concern that required collective action. “It’s essential for the entire community to unite and take steps to combat this serious issue affecting the lives of many,” he said. ENDS