By Jonk wa Mashamba news@alexreporter.co.za

Innocent Ngwenya (33) of Far East Bank used to take drugs innocently (crystal) but that had resulted into an addiction for almost 15 years.

Unlike some of his peers who ultimately became hobos, jailed or even died because of substance abuse, Ngwenya pointed the habit with an index finger and changed his life for the betterment of the community of Alex .

His organisation called Legae la Alex, formed in 12 February 2017, has more than 189 youngsters, mostly girls from the township.

This fast- growing organisation has already appeared in local and national media platforms and added great history about Alexandra township.

Recently Legae la Alex created a social platform for the community of Far East Bank named 1-Pal Street Soccer Tournament to make awareness on Human trafficking and gender-based violence.

The awareness campaign was further taken to Alex Mall sports ground and Alex Sankopano respectively.

Legae La Alex, loosely translated home of Alex, runs a soup kitchen that caters for the youths. The organisation also has activities like arts, dance, drama and poetry, amongst others.

Ngwenya said: “Our aim is not only to remove kids from streets but help them realise and expose their talents.”

Asked how he managed to divorce his former habit, drugs, Ngwenya simply said: “I chose to collaborate with people who would motivate and encourage to be a better person.”

And his advice for drug addicts: “Try and find something that you love doing and keep yourself busy with it and stay away from tempting friends.”

For more information ,please contact Ngwenya on 062 976 2003.

Pics supplied.