Kabelo Mabalane marks 23 years clean, champions faith and drug-free futures in schools

Award-winning singer turned pastor Kabelo Mabalane is set to mark a powerful milestone on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 23 years of sobriety.

Now a passionate advocate for addiction recovery, Mabalane is returning to the frontline of the crisis: South African schools. There, he’ll share his testimony, bring a message of hope, and deliver the Word of God to inspire the next generation.

For over two decades, he visited various schools and communities, shedding light on threats of drugs. 

He reveals that is gearing up to usher a special assembly at Elsburg Hoërskool in Germiston on September 2, where he will pray with learners, share his testimony, and encourage them to choose Christ over drugs.

In more efforts to address the subject, he recently spearheaded the National Day of Prayer on June 26 (World Drug Day) at Leondale Sports Ground (East of Johannesburg) where scores convened to address the scourge of drug abuse that has become prevalent. 

Speaking about substance drugs and abuse, he shares, “Drugs and substance abuse is something that is ready close to my heart. I have a drugs that is widely publicised but I am also happy to relay that. I can't street enough the need for us to get behind NGOs, to get behind government. All the power that be to really combat this piece around drugs and substance.”

He attributes his 23 years of sobriety to the transforming power of the gospel.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. I stand here today, 23 years clean, not because of my own strength, but because of the power of Jesus Christ. The gospel saved me, sustained me, and gave me a mission to reach others. My prayer is that young people will see that true freedom is only found in Christ,” said Mabalane. 

Mabalane also speaks fondly of Lucas Mahlakgane, founder of World Changers Candidate who has played an integral part in his transformation. 

“It is a miracle I did not die from a drug overdose, gang violence, car accident or even AIDS for that matter. I was in to deep and needed help; serious help. God works in mysterious ways and answered any cries for help. An angel came in the form of Lucas Mahlakgane; my manager and friend, who suggested that I fix up my life and take up being a role model and do something positive with my life.”

Mahlakgane tells the Saturday Star how it has been an honour to work closely with Mabalane further detailing the prevalence of alcohol in communities, “It is really an honour to stand by with Pastor Kabelo because even is has busy schedule he still make time to serve the Nation through the Organisation who's mission is to change the World one soul at the time and we are witnessing that through people we are referring to recovery centres.”

“Alcohol and cigarettes are the main gateways to drugs, and drugs are the main generators of all social ills, the issue of alcohol is compounded by our laws which allow public drinking and unlimited hours of alcohol availability.”

It is detailed that Elsburg Hoërskool, like many others, has encountered challenges of drug abuse among learners.

The school has joined forces with WCC to also provide faith-based interventions, that restore hope and bring God back into schools.

Working closely with the Principal Dr Denise van der Merwe, they are set to unveil a board officially declaring the school a Drug-Free Zone.

Dr van der Merwe expressed delight on the intervention accentuating the importance of having learners who are guided while they navigate their lives. 

"Our learners need hope, guidance, and the courage to resist the temptations they face daily.

Having a role model like Pastor Kabelo Mabalane speak into their lives is a powerful step toward creating a school environment where God is honoured and drugs have no place."