Three men cross North West to fight substance abuse

Three men from Bophelong Township in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, travelled through cities in the North West province this week as part of a cross-border anti-drug campaign to raise awareness and cash for impacted communities.

Dingaan Khanye Dhlamini, Potsane Mohale, and Tumelo Ntsala, all 30 years old and members of Blah Blah Brothers Production, recently completed a 301-kilometre walk from the Vaal to Botswana.

This effort is part of their 2026 drug awareness and fundraising drive.

They say that as they passed through towns in the North West,  residents welcomed them with warmth and kindness.

“In the North West province, we were recognised. People gave us courage and donated refreshments like water and energy drinks. We felt the love,” said Dhlamini.

The walk presented many challenges, including extreme heat between Coligny and Lichtenburg and heavy rainfall before Mahikeng, but support from locals made a difference, Dhlamini said.

The organisation, launched in 2017, focuses on community development and drug addiction awareness. They promote substance abuse prevention and skill development for youth through theatre, cinema, and public campaigns.

“Blah Blah Brothers Production is a non-profit organisation doing advocacy work, skills transfer, and fundraising. We saw many young people falling victim to substance abuse and formed the group to fight it.

“We walked from Vaal to Botswana to raise awareness and funds to support those affected. We also collect food parcels and clothes from businesses and good Samaritans and donate them to needy families,” said Dhlamini.

The journey tested their resolve. Mohale admitted there were moments they considered turning back.

“There were many challenging moments when we felt like cutting the journey short. But because of the young people hooked on drugs, we had no choice but to face every challenge. We walked in harsh weather and sometimes near dangerous animals at night. Our dedication helped us complete the mission,” he said.

This was not their first walk, and it will not be their last. The trio plans to embark on another long-distance journey to another African country next year as they intensify their anti-drug campaign and expand support for vulnerable communities.