"I was addicted to petrol, benzene and other drugs"

 

My name is Bongani Putsoane, a well-mannered young man from humble beginnings who is not only an entrepreneur, but also an author, motivational speaker and youth pastor. I was born into Muslim family, going to Madressa, Islam classes, Mosque and reading the Quran. Later I realized that none of those instilled any values in me, especially at the critical age of building the foundation of a child. I was perplexed as a child because I never had opportunity to play with other kids. I started developing hatred towards the religion and I had to call it quits.

I was then free; being exposed to the world, having more time in my hands and that’s when things spun out of control: I was addicted to petrol, benzene and other drugs. It got worse to the point where my father disowned me, packed everything for me and ordered me to go away. For me that was a lot to digest because l had nowhere to go, but God came through for me; he sent me a companion to introduce me to God.

Things were difficult for because I was destitute, but that didn’t stop me from attending church. I then said sinner’s prayer after the church sermon and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That was my pinnacle, God led me to his purpose: Preaching the gospel to the youth as a youth Pastor all over the word, being a Motivational Speaker and an Entrepreneur.

My book “Knocked down but not out”, is a true story of a young man who like most children was a wayward kid, addicted to drugs, a drunkard, stealing money from home, disruptive, failing, getting suspended from school, having multiple girlfriends, disrespectful, a disgrace to his family and the society. If God could Bongani’s story, he certainly can change anybody’s life. We serve a God of mercy, a God of second chances, a loving God, the God that brings glory unto himself through us.

 

I matured into a mentor for many youngsters, a motivational speaker and involved in feeding schemes in places like East London and aiding the community in those areas and visited over 100 schools such as in Zambia, South coast, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, Mafikeng, Pretoria, Cape town, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.

As entrepreneur I founded Peg movement Pty company in 2018 which has impacted over a million individuals lives today and I was named as the devoted citizen 2020 amongst Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and Dr Zweli Mkhize. I am also the founder of Peg foundation NPC, where there is gap year program which aims to develop and train young leaders from all walks of life: Males and females so that they will be influential within the 7 mountains which consists of Religion, Family, Education, Government, Media, Arts and Business. These young individuals will bring transformation and build a better South Africa.