I Was A Heroin Addict and A Pimp | Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja - Episode 59 | Season 2

A guest shares how she's changed from being a herion addict and a pimp, to healing and building a stable career.
Studio Guests: Merlene Williams
#UnpackedWithRelebogile
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[@nondumisondaba9904]

I know what she's talking about when she refers to suicide Tuesday " I've been there 11 years ago. I ended up preferring ecstacy over alcohol. But God's grace I pulled out of that dark place. Changed friends and got Baptised accepted Christ in my life. Since then I've never taken any sort of substance

[@thipimotsoare4228]

I am so happy for you sis God bless you ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@The_People_Who_Know_Their_God]

God bless and keep you. 2 Thes 3:3

[@lelomakhohlisa2593]

@@The_People_Who_Know_Their_God zzz;m vv ,,, , zzz c' , vs 🤐😮🤐😮👯👯👯😮👩‍👩‍👦

[@lebohanglekoa9852]

Wow 5 years addicted and been sober for 15 years... She doesn't look a day over 30 ❤️

[@kholofelomagongoa6791]

She has good genes yoh😭❤️

[@sinovuyoKalako]

I was also shook😩😍💣I was busy calculating that she started substance abuse at the age of 23, she was addicted for 5 years and she's 15 years sober🤔so that means she's 43/44 years? Or I understood it wrong?

[@kholofelomagongoa6791]

@@sinovuyoKalako you are right

[@amilakenosi]

@@kholofelomagongoa6791 i want those genes😭

[@kholofelomagongoa6791]

@@amilakenosi me too hey

[@nkule2493]

I literally rejoiced when she said she's been clean for 15 years. I'm proud of her 🎉🌹

[@thipimotsoare4228]

I thought she was talking about something that happened like two years ago

[@kenosi7345]

Me too I literally screamed out loud my neighbors heard me rejoice

[@donnadavis8685]

Very accurate account of heroin addiction..I was heavily addicted and this October I will celebrate 2 years sobriety! This girl told a very sad and accurate story of being addicted to heroin and I related to all of it! The only difference is I snorted the drug! I was involved in a very bad car accident that almost took my life and I decided to get sober from all drugs. THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INTERVIEW! I love this channel and look forward to hearing all your interviews!

[@sihleqengqeleka7125]

Very well done to you... God gave you a second chance in life and you ran with it and never looked back... Keep it that way 👏

[@cebisa93]

Congratulations.

[@donnadavis8685]

Thankyou! I will continue..The bad car accident happened on the way to meet the drug dealer. I was in Full Withdrawal and very sick. Wasn't paying attention and crashed my Van..I suffered a fractured kneck, back , Ribs, left knee cap and blood clots in both legs Doctors also found bleeding on my brain.. not wearing my seat belt ..I had hit my head against Dash board...I was in critical condition..I was in the hospital for all most 2 months . I was left homeless and I knew it was my Rock Bottom..with no where to go....my family was against me because of the drugs...decided at 58 yrs old to go to a Rehab center..Where I was able to get the help I needed... God spared me that Day and I had an epiphany to change my ways...like the interviewer said.. you have to want to change... noone can make you change...you Just have to want a better life and I chose BETTER LIFE FOR MYSELF!!

[@bongim9141]

May God see you through.😇

[@nombasamnisi1179]

Congratulations on your sobriety. 🤍

[@pointa2b388]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 mare she is such a story teller, she will make you like the drug, then hate it, then feel like you are in the womb of your mother, how does it feel like to be in the womb😂😂

[@nyandanosipholi3011]

factsss

[@sifisoshezi7514]

I remember the feeling, lol but it's very vague

[@thipimotsoare4228]

So true especially when the Afrikaans accent comes out

[@beaureenwebb8782]

🤪🤣that part about being in your mom's womb...not a care in the world

[@TheFinestKanye]

😂

[@nqobilemahlangu6777]

I like how she articulates herself .a good storyteller as well .well done

[@andybizzle4376]

Right!!! She is.

[@stellamooibedi9027]

She is hey....

[@nomafrikatjatji6727]

Right!! I could not understand why Lebonwas not also physically leaning in, her body language just draws you in.

[@beaureenwebb8782]

So beautiful and intelligent

[@khwezimadlala6172]

One thing about Merlene, she treats everybody around her like royalty. So proud of you Ma’am!👸🏽❤️✨

[@thands28]

She does

[@mshlengiwepearl6558]

Oh! Yes ❤

[@lindelwamhlanga9735]

The best way is to never start. What an incredible story.

[@itumelengselepe7254]

I have never done drugs but she just made me hate and scared of them. She needs a sponsored tour around the country to tell this story a 1000 times please

[@neosjournal_]

she’s such a great narrator, she left no stone unturned 🙌🏽 and she unapologetically lives her truth

[@missdatjha5513]

I'm sorry but when she said 'you feel like you are in the womb of your mother' I LOST IT🤣🤣🤣🤣 very, very informative.

[@nomvulairene4177]

U become unborn child who is in peace no stress nothing 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ntsikaymakay8]

🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@mahlatsemasha2308]

She is absolutely beautiful 🥺 So proud of her for choosing a better life for herself.

[@TJ-my9nh]

This lady has just made me realise to never give up on myself. Thank you my sister and God bless you.

[@Anonymous-db2hn]

She looks like Janet Jackson 😄 Beautiful.

[@Tshegomlp]

This sounds so intense, I'm just so glad that grace found her and she's now helping others. God is great

[@tshiamomoahloli9991]

Relebogile is such an objective interviewer , she knows how to ask follow up questions and not absorb the guest’s emotions. Great interview 💯💯 Merlene is such a great story teller, thoroughly enjoyed this interview ❤️

[@mzwandile221]

If you've ever used that drug then you've seen the devil face to face! I thank God for delivering me from that addiction 👏

[@samanthadutoit1247]

I am impressed by her getting off Heroin without medical assistance wow!

[@magrethesterhuizen9430]

She's a good story teller. Made everything very clear, the imagination taking me on the road of understanding how drugs work. Wow 👏 God bless you.

[@pumzamlondi8538]

When she said: "you are the co-creator of your life". I felt that.

[@mmathapelominniemahlangu]

Literally my favorite interview…I can relate to what she’s saying “your first high is your best high “

[@veronicalizekamemani8673]

I like your answer, " I have tools now" I meditate I gym do a whole lot of things ( positive). I think the greatest to mental status is by keeping active, join gym, jog pray. The irony of it these are the most difficult things to do even when you know and aware that there is definately something wrong with you. I know that personally. Thank you once again Lebo

[@manotshimotloung8124]

The guest , the interviewer, the studio setup, outfits everything 💯. Keep up the amazing work Relebogile.. God bless❤️

[@nomvulairene4177]

👌👌❤️

[@metheyhustler]

🕯🕯for sister rolebogile

[@thembisaodendaal]

Omg I love the way she does the story telling. she'll never go back she is so present and was present for all of it ..she must educate the kids she's brilliant

[@missdatjha5513]

She's so pretty! Glad she found herself again.❤️🌺

[@BatsiraiMusuka]

This is why it’s important to treat people well…..ALWAYS. The lives we destroy. 😔

[@stellamooibedi9027]

Grandmothers are the best I'm a product of one.. May her soul rest in peace I will not be the person I'm if it wasn't for the foundation she's instilled in me.Forever Gratefu..

[@madodomatshele8008]

Me too my granny was the best norms values stability

[@thandiwengqwebo574]

“Yeah guys, you can’t be high before you do the procedure “😂😂😂😂😂

[@nkule2493]

Cracked me up 😂🤣

[@stellamooibedi9027]

"Hope is all a person need when experience trauma "I so believe what she is saying...

[@missdatjha5513]

One thing about uStella she'll comment. Here for it💯🤍

[@ZenandeNozibele]

Very powerful, strong lady. She's well articulated. I enjoyed this episode so much.

[@Palesa-Amanda]

She could be a motivational speaker😭🙌 I really appreciate how present she was, she's so inspiring she's a living testimony of its never too late

[@corbinjeffries6870]

I like when she said you need to have a little grain of hope .

[@nomafrikatjatji6727]

Well done! This show reminded of Felicia Mabuza Show days, beautiful Guest and an awesome story teller, what a ride 👏 👏👏👏

[@nonkululekomasilela1980]

I don't know Merlene but im so proud of her!!

[@Naughtorious]

Yoh😭😭😭😭😩😩😩😩😩 She recovered so beautifully though, I mean wow 🥺🥺🥺

[@EuniceKeis]

She’s an amazing story teller…

[@owamizuma7565]

😓I can totally relate to her story.

[@mmabathodlamini6235]

Merlene is such an amazing lady , she is an inspiration to many of us. A lady with a beautiful heart. I love her❤️. Thank you Relebogile ❤️

[@mmabathodlamini6235]

Thank you Merlene for sharing your journey with us❤️

[@tshepihlasa6572]

What a blessing it is for her to be present to tell her story. ♥️

[@mphahleleboitumelo4366]

She tells the story very well. I know her, I am the Accountant for her company called Golden Marlene. She is a great Make-up artist. Well-done girl, super proud and humbled by your story.

[@damariszuckschwert9489]

Drugs addiction stories always scares me.,never get used to this kind of stories. May God guards our young generation so they can make a right choice.

[@missfauxyfauxyvegan2224]

Looking at this beautiful lady, nice skin, hair and teeth after all that drug use shes one lucky lady! She's blessed!

[@hildadavids217]

I am so proud of you girl, it is not easy to open up yourself to the public. I know you and you are the most decent young woman ever knew. Having graduated from Wits with my niece you have made me so proud. Even if you save a single soul, you will have done a great deed. Thank you so much for this.

[@bonganimiza6253]

She is such a good teacher of this drug. I am glad she found peace within herself to realise her principles are more important than the drug that displaced her mission of life. May our youth and other people hooked on any kind of drug learn. Thank you again Relebogile and the rest of the #UNPACKED TEAM

[@thandiwengqwebo574]

We needed you Rele… thank you ❤️

[@relebogilemabotja215]

Thank you for your support ❤️

[@mpoimakhetha9345]

Those of us who have never been exposed to drugs must be grateful for our lives, because maybe we would not be able to come out of this. Its such a painful account of life, the moment she swept the streets for a stash, I have never been sadder. I applaud her for her recovery

[@merlenewilliams453]

Thanku my Queen🙏💐💖

[@putumaproductionstiso535]

I know this lady, she's one of the best make up artist in the industry. Very humble and forever smiling.. We thank God for her recovery ♥️♥️@LEBO MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SIS YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB

[@lindagroening536]

I love your music. Thank you for bringing me closer to God each and every single day of my life through worship sis. I overcame demons, battles and struggles through your voice. Salvation indeed is glamorous when the holy spirit inside of you is activated daily

[@tshegetsotshegetso998]

She's beautiful..i think she looks a bit like Pearl Thusi

[@Ladynilow]

I tried ecstasy once, it was cool but the after effects were hell- never tried it again and I thank god for that

[@davidmitchkilanie9085]

I love her explanation of how she felt, the experience of the effects of each drug. As people we stereotype how a drug addict looks like but its the person right next to you.

[@stellamooibedi9027]

I love how she's telling her story 🤣😂

[@noreenm5018]

I was offered drugs in Hillbrow during the day, in a salon. I was so chocked, I screamed, the guys just left peacefully. I was so scared they were going to follow and kill me. That's was the last time, I put my foot or drive pass Hillbrow. ( This was in 2014).

[@corbinjeffries6870]

Thanks to God she's alive and doing good and in a better place. Most people that are addicted don't survive.❤️✌️

[@lesegoyv]

Shes amazing and beautiful, they say no one can ever make fun of you or your situation until you yourself acknowledges it, and take steps to change.

[@mrubaby]

She's so well-articulated in explaining the feeling of drug use. Thoroughly enjoyed this interview

[@corbinjeffries6870]

Life is hard , complicated, complex, difficult .

[@omphemetsechake2839]

...so true brother

[@340Ayah]

The shortest 48 minutes of my life. I was literally glued to the screen by her story-telling, I could listen to her forever and how she overcame her addiction. Thanks for sharing your story with us and thanks to Lebo for having her as a guest.

[@kms708]

The way I love this show, even the music played for the intro makes me so happy ❤❤❤❤

[@sihleqengqeleka7125]

At some point, you made me want to smoke yaz, like, the way you described the feeling, living on the edge, selling and buying back your stuff, waiting for 00:00 to withdraw money nge payday 🤣🤣🤣... It all sounded so cool... But, the withdrawals, sweeping the streets looking for your gold chain with a cross 🤣🤣... Andizi!!! Thanks for a great story... I experienced all sorts of emotions 🥰🥰

[@zimkhitha.h]

Lol I get what you mean 😂😂

[@swazi4769]

Yazi... Same here. The way she explains it yhoooo. 😆

[@stellamooibedi9027]

I love her,she seems like a lovely woman.

[@psychologistannandiaye5586]

This show gives me a different perspective of life. People go thru so much, I pray myself and my loved ones never have to do drugs!

[@michellemartin2330]

She elaborated what being a drug addicted very well. 😯. “Hope!”

[@refiloekose2236]

Such an inspiring story. Well done for over coming. I love how she explains the "trips" & lastly she is beautiful

[@missfauxyfauxyvegan2224]

I'm looking at her and I see her sweeping the streets looking for that drug, cars passing by people thinking she's a mad lady! Then she takes me back to Hillbrow but my days from 1984/5 weren't like her days they were days without destruction! I'm lucky I didn't get into drugs!

[@calinbooysen6949]

So proud of her,love you,we grew up together,God bless you in abundance

[@merlenewilliams453]

Love you one of my first besties ❤️

[@mariettemckay9950]

Amazing I was so captivated by Merlenes rawness and her ability to dig deep and interpret the emotion, stunning🤗🤗🤗🤗.

[@naomijung5647]

I salute you 4 ur courage. I salute ur parents 4 being so understanding and stood by u. What a great inspiring story. I pray that u will never go back, as u said, ONLY LOOKING FORWARD. U are beautiful inside and out. God bless you richly

[@gracenovie]

Yoh she’s a fantastic storyteller. Thank you for sharing Merlene 🌼🌼

[@patriciadejesus1256]

Your program is excellent. I always know I am going to learn something new. I love the respect you give to each person you interview. Thank you

[@sheilandebele7651]

Thank you so much Merlene & Lebo. ❤❤❤

[@esethuntloko3288]

Off topic but her feet and heels are so gorgeous 😄😍

[@tererayimapfumo1356]

Thank you for this interview, it is my prayer as a parent that my sons dont resort to drugs, please God make them stronger than the pressures of this world

[@kopanomsiza345]

I enjoyed this interview, im happy it reinforced that we can get back on our personal road. We all struggle with something and it had a hold on you. Thank you so much.

[@NomD05MZ]

She's so honest and I wish all the people who are addicted can learn and get out of the drugs.

[@fjhkerwoiero00]

People are never addicted the same, with the same drugs & same chemical reaction! Many even commit suicide!

[@stellamooibedi9027]

Unpacking time,!today anxiety has the best of me,I pushed through work today, still have to study later 😭😭 preparing dinner now.

[@luyandachirenje3581]

Yhooo don't mention it sis. It's tough outhere.

[@stellamooibedi9027]

@@luyandachirenje3581 it is hey!Let's push through it.

[@TheSmileycece]

We can do it girl! I'm sorry you've been anxious today, I feel you. I gotta do the same, let's take it easy on ourselves. I hope this show is helping you take your mind off things like it is for me🌻

[@stellamooibedi9027]

@@TheSmileycece thank you and love and light

[@mdungethulile]

Boo, you not alone some days are better than others. You pushed through work that alone is something you should be proud of. You can do this. Often than not I would jog twice a day because some days my anxiety would be through the roof.

[@janetm6092]

The host looks totally amazing. You always do... I like that this story ends well for the guest

[@stellamooibedi9027]

"Functional addict " I'm learning so much

[@corbinjeffries6870]

High functioning addict .it does exist

[@zamobubu912]

I enjoyed listening to her. Thank you for clarifying drug addiction and process to healing Marlene...

[@wespeakthetruthhere7413]

She’s so beautiful ♥️

[@stellamooibedi9027]

Yhoo!!!Heroine is hectic...

[@naumiyomi15]

Love you Sis. You are a true blessing and inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story to encourage and for being so courageous. Super proud of you my love 💓

[@jerrychetty2524]

This is a very special strong young lady and I have a great respect for you, Merlene you are a inspiration to to many people I hope

[@sallyjambo5316]

I love this gal plus the host. This is one of the best hosts ever. Her questions r great. She never intimidates her guests. She’s just the best.

[@nickywill9949]

This was so therapeutic. Thanks so much 🙏

[@nthomengmajara8575]

I needed to watch this. She is inspirational.

[@moosampofu622]

I'm with you,,I was thinking to go buy a bottle of wine whilst I drank over the weekend,, so watching this made me to just stop...& Learn to function without

[@thuliendlovu719]

Very true. We speak of addiction from a sensationalised point of view but sheeesh there are so many dangers and traps in it.

[@ggmanzi4530]

I could listen to her forever ❤️ amazing guest !!

[@davidsonchuene3782]

thank you for the uplifting guests you bring on to your show, their stories bring self-introspection to some of us and we appreciate it

[@xolisilesithole8768]

Thank you for an informative episode ❤

[@emmamudau9472]

This was incredible unpacking 👏 A lot of insights ♥️

[@melissadumela550]

Phakathi inside Lee's Unpack 😊

[@tshabom]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Love, light and strength to you Sis

[@boitumelomotaung9898]

Addiction is so painful💔.

[@yolandawhite51]

I just found you and I've been up all night watching your channel....thanks for posting

[@Zinhle1951]

Speaking of addicts hey I'm so addicted to this show.... lalela I dont have TV but everyday I make sure ngila big ups Ausi Lebo

[@brianbayer4868]

to add to that ,using drugs in the beginning is a good feeling but after a while you're not getting high anymore but you feel saw, achy ,depressed and you have to take the same drugs to feel normal.

[@maladhi1235]

She is such a young beautiful lady. She is brilliant. God bless you. Love watching this channel so much.

[@sithembiledlamini9652]

This lady is amazing. Well articulated, funny as well!!!

[@csmattera]

Wow this is very eye opening. Thank you for sharing. I’m pleased that you are recovering for 15+years

[@nthabbym8676]

So informative ❤️. So insightful. She told the story so well. Never say never!!!

[@stellamooibedi9027]

I love her dress.

[@zuzilegama4572]

The whole outfit ah😍