Award-winning kwaito legend turned pastor Kabelo Mabalane marked a monumental milestone this week, celebrating 23 years of sobriety in a powerful assembly at Hoërskool Elsburg in Germiston.
Addressing hundreds of learners, Mabalane shared his journey from the grip of addiction to the freedom he found in Christ, boldly declaring that the gospel was not only the foundation of his recovery, but also the true path to healing for those still battling substance abuse.
The event, held on Tuesday, September 2, formed part of a broader partnership between Elsburg Hoërskool and World Changers Candidate (WCC), a Johannesburg-based NPO that provides drug-prevention interventions in schools.
It also came just months after Mabalane headlined the National Day of Prayer Against Drugs in April, where he led thousands in prayer at Leondale Sports Ground, further cementing his national role in the fight against substance abuse.
The program at Hoërskool Elsburg was further bolstered by the presence of a Central Drug Authority, which sent a strong message to learners about the dangers of substance use.
“We must speak to the youth directly”
Speaking to NOWinSA on the sidelines, Mabalane explained why he deliberately directs his message to young people:
“It’s important to speak to learners directly because they face real challenges every day — peer pressure, trends, trying to keep up appearances. Many are battling personal demons. When someone who has walked the same road shares their testimony, it gives them confidence and hope. We always complain about drug lords targeting young people directly to lure them into buying and selling drugs. So why shouldn’t we, as leaders and role models, also go straight to the youth to counter those lies and give them truth?”
The Gospel at the centre
While acknowledging the growing calls for stricter penalties against drug dealers, Mabalane stressed that his own recovery and guidance to others will always remain rooted in Christ.
“It is demoralizing to keep warning about drugs when nothing is done to stop those who sell them. Communities know who the dealers are, but no one speaks out, no one acts. I always say, until you are willing to die, nothing will change. That’s why for me, the gospel of Christ is the only way. It is the power of God to salvation — the sure way anyone battling addiction can truly be set free.”
A rewarding decision
Mabalane, who gave his life to Christ over two decades ago, described that decision as the most rewarding of his life.
“The day I surrendered to Christ was the most fulfilling day of my journey. Today I am blessed with the most beautiful wife (Gail Mabalane), and our wonderful children. I am deeply grateful to God for His grace and for entrusting me with a ministry that saves souls and transforms lives.”
At Elsburg Hoërskool, this ministry was on full display as he led learners in prayer, with many making commitments to Christ during the assembly.
A national role model
Once celebrated as one of South Africa’s most iconic kwaito stars, Mabalane has for more than 20 years travelled across schools and communities, raising awareness about the dangers of drugs while pointing youth to the saving power of Christ.
His journey from addiction to freedom has turned him into a national role model, especially for young people battling the same struggles he once faced.
“My testimony is not just about recovery, it’s about redemption,” he told learners. “If God could do it for me, He can do it for you.”
The 23-year celebration wasn’t just a personal milestone for Pastor Kabelo — it was a message to South Africa that the fight against drugs requires both bold accountability for traffickers and the transformative power of the gospel.
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