Life in the limelight can at times be a little too much for our favourite zalebs, with many of them going into depression time and time again. Being the human beings that they are, they can also fall into the pit of drug addiction as a means of coping and escaping the everyday pressures that come with being in the spotlight all the time.
It is therefore a joy for us to see that they have been able to recover and lead a more upright and sober life. Here’s a list of Zalebs who have recovered from drug addiction and turned their lives around.
Read also: Work Hard, Party Even Harder
Kelly Khumalo
It has not always been easy and rosy for her vocal highness. Kelly confessed to being a drug addict while dating Jub Jub. “I used drugs because of my then lover, I did it as a gift to him,” She was hooked on cocaine, but after attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, she began to recover.
The single mother of two is now sober and appears to be in much better shape. Just recently however, after she lost her baby daddy Senzo Meyiwa, she admitted to almost relapsing but we are happy to see that she did not fall into the same pit.
Read also: Kelly Khumalo Talks About Senzo’s Betrayal
Trevor Gumbi
Actor and comedian Trevor Gumbi is yet another celebrity who started using drugs from a very early age, only for it to intensify once he made it to the limelight. He admitted to being addicted to cocaine but is now living a clean and healthy life.
Speaking on how life has been for him after drugs, Trevor said,
I can enjoy my kids. My mind is clearer, I can remember things and damn, it’s awesome, man.
It is not only good to see that he has recovered but he is taking his time to help those struggling as well.
Read also: Trevor Gumbi On Life Without Drugs
Kabelo Mabalane
In his early days as a singer, Kwaito legend Kabelo admitted to squandering millions of rands on cocaine and partying. “I am one drink away from relapsing,” he remarked in an interview with Anele Mdoda.
He also took to the Podcast And Chill with MacG show, to speak on how it has been after recovering from drugs. The actor has been sober since 2002, has turned his life around, and is a light of hope for people suffering from addiction. What an inspiring journey it has been for him.
Read also: Kabelo Mabalane On His Drug Addiction
Riky Rick
Being one of the most celebrated artists in Mzansi, it would come as a surprise to many to learn that he has been a victim of drug addiction at one point in his life. The artist admitted to being hooked on drugs in his early 20s but has since transformed his life.
Despite the countless feuds that he has with fellow artists, it is good to see that he is back to focusing on his music and to being a supportive and loving boyfriend to his beautiful babe. He recently took to his instagram to gush over her and thank her for saving his life. Such a cute couple.
Read also: “Thank You For Saving My Life’’
Sol Phenduka
It may come as a surprise to many but the rapper and podcaster has also battled with addiction at some point in his career. During one of their episodes with MacG, Sol opened up that after he lost one of his family members, things were tough and messy for him.
He also shared that rapper and entrepreneur Boity had come to his rescue at his hour of need and that he will forever remain indebted to her. When they say that crisis is what reveals your true friends, this is exactly what we mean, and it is good to see that Sol is doing much better now.
Read more: How Boity Helped Sol’s Addiction
Vusi Nova
The story of Vusi Nova’s drug addiction is one that has made headlines time and time again. That however does not mean that he has not turned his life around. It is good to see that things are shaping up pretty well for him and that he has turned on a new leaf.
Speaking during an episode of the “What’s Your Poison” podcast, Vusi spoke on how his journey of addiction began and how it was for him to finally step out into the light.
It started with a joint here and there before moving to 20 joints a day and then I went onto Mandrax, crack cocaine, ecstasy and more.
“I went all the way. I got really addicted to crack cocaine and it went on for years.
Read also: Vusi Nearly Punched Somizi
DJ Sox
Having been clean for over 10 years now, one wouldn’t even know that the acclaimed artist was once knee deep in drug addiction. Speaking to the Sowetan, DJ Sox shared about his time using drugs and went ahead to warn fellow artists to steer clear from such an unfortunate path.
When you are in music, and you have fame and money, you get caught up in the moment and I think that is what happened to me. I stayed in it for a couple of years up until I woke up and went to rehab. I have been clean for six years.
Read also: DJ Sox Gets Married
These celebrities just go to show that being in the limelight does not mean that they are perfect and without fault. It warms our hearts to see that despite what they have had to endure, they have come out better and healthier than they were previously.
