VIDEO: Ex-druggie releases his documentary today
BACK IN THE DAY: Albert Mathews as a teen and ROLLING: Albert filming the documentary
An ex-drug addict and reformed gangster has produced a documentary about the evils of drugs and gangsterism on the Cape Flats.
The 60-minute film is based on the life of Albert Mathews, who has named it My Story, My Upbringing and My Turning Point.
Albert, who was raised in Kensington and Hanover Park, says he wants his life to be a lesson to young people who want to follow a life of crime.
In the doccie, he visits the places where he used to hang out as a skollie in Kensington, including the spot where his friend was shot dead 16 years ago, an event that would change the course of his life.
“The purpose of sharing my story is to give hope to anyone caught up in drugs and to the family that's being affected by wrong choices and habits of the person.
“I want to tell you that change is possible. We are living in a time where we all need a little bit of hope and my testimony can contribute towards that.”
He aims to release the documentary on YouTube today.
“I was caught up in drugs and gangsterism for about eight years of my life and I was in prison thrice awaiting trial and got a five-year suspended sentence for the possession of illegal substances and selling drugs,” he says.
“My dad was a drug addict, my mom was an alcoholic, my brothers were also deurmekaar, they were into gangsterism.
“Of four siblings, only one was OK, he wasn’t a problem child like the rest of us.”
He says before his parents died 12 years ago, they both gave up the drug and drink.
“Today, I am married, I have two beautiful kids, Zarah and Malachi,” he adds.“I work at Beulah Africa and we do Economic Empowerment Skills Training for NEET Girls (Not Employed, Education and Training), in and around the Mitchells Plain area.”