Many of us carry silent battles — from the scars of rape to the grip of drugs, or other painful experiences we would rather lock away.
Too often, fear keeps us from speaking out. We bury the trauma deep inside, not realising that silence slowly destroys us. Yet, in sharing our stories, we not only begin to heal ourselves but also give hope to someone else who feels alone in their struggle.
This is exactly what Moshiane Nkopodi-Magabane has done. As a rape survivor and a recovered drug and alcohol addict, she chose not to let her pain end with her. Instead, she turned it into a testimony that uplifts and restores others. Today, as a Psychology graduate, founder of New Life Restoration Youth Centre, activist, and community leader, she is proof that brokenness can be the birthplace of purpose.
In this emotional interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Moshiane takes us on her journey of survival, recovery, and transformation — and how she is using her voice to inspire the youth to rise above their challenges.
How it all started
With honesty and courage, Moshiane has shared her story as a survivor of rape and her battle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. In opening up, she gave us a glimpse into one of the darkest periods of her life, recounting how the pain first took root and how it shaped her journey.
“I was raped at 15 when I was in grade 10. I went to a house party with friends then I drank too much. Next thing I woke up in hospital and I am asked if I had sex with anyone, it was horrific because the last time I was conscious I remember asking one of my friends if I could lie down because I didn’t feel so good. Then next thing I’m handed a drink in the bedroom by a person that I cannot remember their face until today, and then it was a blank from then until I woke up in hospital. I was blacked out from around 16:00 to 22:00PM. I remember the times because before I went to lie down I saw the clock at 16:00PM and then when I woke up in hospital I asked what time it was.
“The drug and alcohol addiction came after the rape. Life then was an unpleasant experience yet I was convinced that it was me living life with no limits. The funny thing about drug addiction is that at the time you feel that life is some adventure and you are just doing you, living your life with no rules, but in reality you are a slave. Back then I was literally living for the next high, whether it was through cocaine or alcohol and sometimes both. More than anything, the drugs and alcohol were my unhealthy coping mechanisms,” said Moshiane.
The moment that inspired Moshiane to leave her old life behind
As Moshiane continued down a path she once found comfort in, there came a moment when she knew — enough was enough. She opens up about the turning point that sparked a powerful shift in her life, the moment she chose to leave that chapter behind and reclaim her future.
“In 2014, I left Joburg to move back home to Limpopo because life had become horrible—I was all alone, and I remembered that I actually have a family. My family took me back with open arms and offered me a job at the family business. Being away from the toxic environment in Joburg helped because I literally had no access to cocaine or Kat, so that’s how I quit the drugs—I had to go cold turkey. But then my struggles with alcohol began. Without access to drugs, my alcohol consumption increased, and I drank every day—alone in my room, before work, during work, etc. It was really, really bad.
“Then, in December 2021, I gave my life to Christ and quit alcohol and cigarettes. This was after I lost my dad in 2020, which was incredibly difficult. From October 2020 to December 2021, my alcohol addiction was at its highest peak. I think that December 2021, reality hit me—I felt so empty, lonely, and depressed, so I had to face myself and make changes. I am a mother, and I had a failed marriage, so I needed to make a change. I hit rock bottom twice in my life, and the second time around felt more like a spiritual awakening. It was what I needed to finally rise,” said Moshiane.
First steps Moshiane took toward recovery
No matter what struggles we face, healing is never a simple path. In a deep personal reflection, Moshiane shares the tender first steps she took toward recovery—a journey guided by faith and resilience that slowly helped her piece herself back together.
“The first step was me admitting that I needed help and stopping running from past traumas, finally surrendering to God and asking Him to help me. The minute I stopped lying to myself, I was then able to seek help. I went to therapy again and this time took it seriously. My psychiatrist diagnosed me with PTSD and a rare mood disorder (Cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar). I still see her every six months. Overall, what helped me the most was surrendering my life to Christ and allowing Him to transform me from within,” said Moshiane.
The birth of New Life Restoration Youth Centre
Out of her own journey of healing, a powerful sense of purpose was born. Moshiane opens up about the inspiration behind founding the New Life Restoration Youth Centre—a place close to her heart. She shares why it was so important for her to create a safe, nurturing space where young people can find hope, support, and the strength to rise above their own struggles.
“New Life Restoration Youth Centre has been in my heart since 2014, but because of the alcohol addiction I was still struggling with, I just kind of packed it away at the back of my mind. In 2022, when I was finally completely clean and in a clear headspace, God said it’s time. I know it might sound weird to some to say ‘God said it’s time,’ but that is the only way I can explain what New Life RYC does — it is a God-given mandate and vision.
“I am passionate about young people and how they ought to make decisions that put them in a better position to succeed, but they need direction and guidance in making those decisions. I was young once, and I made bad choices. Looking back, it’s not because I was not taught the right way; however, there was a lack of mentorship.
“New Life wants to give young people that mentorship, support, and motivation they need in order to make those right choices. We want to equip them with the right tools and confidence to face the challenges they will encounter in life. And New Life Restoration Youth Centre, to me, shows that I had to walk through the darkness to be someone else’s light. That’s why I am so passionate about these young people. I do not want them to go through what I went through, so I do the work with New Life with the hopes of preventing that,” said Moshiane.
Word of advice
“As the conversation came to an end, Moshiane reflected on the message she often shares when speaking to young people—especially those who feel like their pain or past mistakes are too big to overcome .
“When I speak to the youth, I tell them that it is important to really think through the decisions we make and see if they will help us become better people and be successful in life. I always emphasise to them how I have seen life from both sides of the coin—how I know what it is to make bad decisions and fail, but also what it takes to pick up the pieces and make better decisions in order to now be the person God has purposed me to be. I tell them it’s never too late to make better decisions, and that it’s not how you start that matters, but how you finish. I constantly tell young people that they are powerful and need to harness that power in order to set a good foundation for the coming generation—and, mostly, that with Christ, all things are possible,” said Moshiane.
If you are living a life that doesn’t feel right for you anymore or bring you peace, and you long for a fresh start, Moshiane is here to support you. When you are ready to take that step, you can reach out to her through these social media channels:
TikTok: Shockymagabz89
Instagram: Newliferyc
Facebook: Moshiane Nkopodi
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