Former Yizo Yizo star Innocent “Bobo” Masuku trended on social media in June 2022 after a photo of the early 2000s TV star was released. Bobo was assumed to be homeless at the time after his life took a turn for the worse when he let his drug addiction all but ruin his life.
“There is no solution to unemployment in alcohol, there is no solution to poverty in drugs, you’re worsening your situation” -CIC @Julius_S_Malema
Bobo advices the Youth to be careful of the friends they keep and the choices they because it affects their lives#EFFJune16 pic.twitter.com/3ysPWGXcnH
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 15, 2022
Following the viral images of Bobo, South Africans pulled together in an effort to give the once household name a second chance in life and reclaim his social standing. By September 2022, Bobo had finished with his rehabilitation stay and was working on bettering his life.
As such, he conducted a number of interviews, including his most prolific to date with Podcast and Chill with MacG, Sol Phenduka and Ghost Lady. His interviews were not only about how his life took a turn for the worst when he decided to give in to his drug addiction.
Hello guys this is Bobo Innocent Masuku. Yeah this is my official Twitter page please do follow me and also don’t forget to watch my interview on Podcast and Chill with @MacGUnleashed today. pic.twitter.com/fMqiMJnOJ8
— Innocent Bobo Masuku (@InocentMasuku) September 6, 2022
But Bobo aimed to also pay it forward in honour of the second chance he got. A sentiment which he has recently just shared via his social media. More than in just words and self-serving efforts. But with the intention of impacting the lives of other drug addicts looking to make similar changes in their own lives. Hence his latest efforts.
Innocent “Bobo” Masuku pays it forward
In November 2022, Innocent “Bobo” Masuku confirmed that he had started a foundation which he created in the hopes to collaborate with other non-profit, community organisations and the media to advocate against the use of drugs. He called on the aforementioned to work with him to amplify their own activations and programmes against drug abuse and addiction.
Greetings Churches, Civil society, Corporate, NPO'S and all others, Let me help you amplify and spread the word AGAINST DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Through my foundation, we also provide psycho-social services with qualified social workers. #BoboJikaizinto pic.twitter.com/1mcfODPBwT
— Innocent Bobo Masuku (@InocentMasuku) November 30, 2022
However, rather than waiting for said organizations to contact him, Bobo decided to take matters into his own hands. This is because he has launched his own social media campaign, Jika Izinto. An isiZulu phrase that translates as “turn things around.”
So far, it appears that Bobo is drawing inspiration from the popular SABC 1 show The Zola 7 Show from the 2000s. This is because Bobo is currently working with a camera crew to find drug addicts who want to quit using and reclaim their lives. He takes drug addicts and gets them into rehab using his activation. He is assisting Thabiso, as seen with the first person.
The first “episode” of the current three-part rollout introduced Thabiso. The second part showed when Thabiso was collected to head to rehab, and the third documents the first few days of Thabiso facing his drug addiction.
Re-post
Please help fight this Pandemic… Drugs have destroyed families. Keep watching as I navigate and reach out to communities and offer a helping hand. DM ME TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. JIKA IZINTO pic.twitter.com/N8QEwV5RrO
— Innocent Bobo Masuku (@InocentMasuku) December 13, 2022
DRUG are real demonic, they turn you against all positive things in life and you become a beast. Thabiso initially agreed to go to rehab and after all efforts, this is how it played out WATCH…. Part 1. pic.twitter.com/PX3sf3gEGP
— Innocent Bobo Masuku (@InocentMasuku) December 14, 2022
Part 2… Of Thabiso's Journey to Rehab. #JIKAIZINTO pic.twitter.com/5hAe95PjdV
— Innocent Bobo Masuku (@InocentMasuku) December 14, 2022
Given Bobo’s goal of turning the social media activation into a television show. In contrast to recent iterations, which have featured media personalities who appear to have not lost everything and must start from the bottom to give back, he would make an ideal host for the show. As a result, if Moja Love is looking for a new show, Bobo and Jika Izinto appear to be ready to make their television debut season.