Crystal meth addicts claw their way clean

A once successful Vanderbijlpark fashion designer and a Tembisa school dropout might seem worlds apart, but they both fell prey to highly addictive crystal meth.

Donovan du Preez, 46, drove his successful fashion design business to new heights to support what began as a cocaine-initiated addiction. Sibusiso Dibelo Hlatshwayo, 23, took to robbery, stealing cellphones to satisfy his craving for “that indescribable high”.

Both lost the support of their peers and families. Both were pulled from the brink by witnessing the suffering of their mothers struggling to raise the family. 

They began a painful rehabilitation journey, one they’re now determined to complete after several relapses.