Say It Anyway - The NACOSA Podcast

NACOSA

The real. The raw. The untold stories from South African communities. No jargon, no judgement – just honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, Say It Anyway is like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions.    This is a podcast about people, their lives and the stories that shape our communities.

Episodes

  1. Ayanda's Journey

    SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Ayanda's Journey

    This is the Story of Ayanda and how the My Journey Youth Programme works for young women. Not to wave a magic wand and eliminate HIV risk but to support young people to navigate a risky world with clarity, intention, and a sense that their health and her body, belongs to them.  So that they confidently take charge of their health and wellness.  For more information on My Journey visit www.myjourney.org.za  Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    6 min
  2. Disability: More than you see

    11/12/2025

    Disability: More than you see

    What is it like to navigate through an unaccommodating world when you are living with a disability? Two inspirational NACOSA staff members talk honestly about living with disability.  Inathi is living with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair which makes her disability visible. Natasha is living with autism spectrum disorder - a hidden disability.  Both have had to overcome discrimination. Both have not let their disability define them. This is their frank conversation about what it is like and what keeps them going. For more information on disability and services available, please contact: Disability Info South Africa Website: http://disabilityinfosa.co.za Office: 021 761 4831 Mobile & WhatsApp: 084 504 9176  Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    22 min
  3. The public as parent

    10/15/2025

    The public as parent

    Communities get angry when they see drug use out in the open. If we don’t see it, if we turn our backs, it’s doesn’t exist. Right? But what if we flip the script and ask – what is the role of the public in education, awareness and support for people who use drugs?  In this final episode of our Parenting and Drug Use series, we ask the difficult questions about the Public as Parent. What has happened to neighbours looking out for each other? You will hear the unusual perspectives of ward councillor, Ashley Potts, Lukholo Mrwetyana, a traditional leader and healer, Herbert November from the Central City Improvement District and Khulula Gontsana from TBHIV Care, who works daily with people who use drugs. If the public takes on the role of ‘parent’, can we reduce harm for people who use drugs and protect the public?  This podcast deals with some difficult issues and may not be suitable for sensitive listeners or young children.  NACOSA's People Who Use Drugs programme focuses on harm reduction for health and does not provide drug rehabilitation or other substance use support services.  South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence SANCA 086 147 2622 www.sancanational.org.za Al-Anon 0861 252 666 | Nar-Anon 088 129 6791 www.alanon.org.za | https://nar-anon.org.za Alcohol & Drug Abuse Helpline 0800 12 13 14 (toll-free)  Childline 116  Lifeline 0800 012 322  Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline (24 hrs)0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312 Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    1h 16m
  4. Pregnancy and substance use

    10/08/2025

    Pregnancy and substance use

    There is perhaps nothing more controversial than pregnancy and drug use. Few people understand the complex issues that people dependent on drugs who become pregnant face – and the difficult pregnancy, birth and post-partum journey they must navigate.  In this episode we will be hearing from Moesfiqa, a mother who has been on methadone while pregnant, Dr Duncan Laurenson who treats people on methadone and Julie Mac Donnell, an activist for the rights and responsibilities of pregnant people who use drugs. We take a cold, hard look at a healthcare system often not equipped to deal with the complexities of pregnancy and drug use.  Your host is Yolaan Andrews. This podcast deals with some difficult issues and may not be suitable for sensitive listeners or young children.  NACOSA's People Who Use Drugs programme focuses on harm reduction for health and does not provide drug rehabilitation or other substance use support services. If you or someone you know needs help with any of the issues discussed in this episode, please use the links below. STAND ACTION https://standaction.co.za  Recovery Outcomes  https://recoveryoutcomes.co.za  TB HIV Care https://tbhivcare.org/ South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) 086 147 2622 | www.sancanational.org.za  Al-Anon 0861 252 666 |  www.alanon.org.za Nar-Anon 088 129 6791 | https://nar-anon.org.za Alcohol & Drug Abuse Helpline 0800 12 13 14 (toll-free) Lifeline 0800 012 322  Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    1h 2m
  5. When parents use drugs

    09/25/2025

    When parents use drugs

    Do you know a parent who uses drugs? Be honest – did you judge them? Parents are responsible for nurturing and caring for their children so when you hear of a parent who uses drugs, you are bound to have thoughts. And questions.  This second episode in our series on “Parenting and Drug Use” goes deep into the topic of parents who use drugs. Their struggles, their heartbreaks, the love they have for their children and how a new parenting programme is helping them to be better and more present parents. You will meet courageous parents who are navigating this difficult journey and the people who are supporting them. Your host is Kalvanya Padayachee. NACOSA's People Who Use Drugs programme focuses on harm reduction for health and does not provide drug rehabilitation or other substance use support services. If you or someone you know needs help with any of the issues discussed in this episode, please contact: Clowns Without Borders https://cwbsa.org/  South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) 086 147 2622 | www.sancanational.org.za  Al-Anon 0861 252 666 |  www.alanon.org.za Nar-Anon 088 129 6791 | https://nar-anon.org.za Alcohol & Drug Abuse Helpline 0800 12 13 14 (toll-free) Childline 116 Lifeline 0800 012 322  Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    52 min
  6. Parenting young people who use drugs

    09/11/2025

    Parenting young people who use drugs

    Youth is a time of transition and there are lots of reasons why young people use drugs: to fit in, to see what it feels like, for confidence or to distract from difficult thoughts or feelings. But when experimentation becomes problematic use, it can have ripple effects on the fabric of families. In the first episode of our four-part series on Parenting and Drug Use, we take a real, raw look at parenting young people who use drugs. What it’s like to be young and into drugs, what to look out for and the hard-earned lessons in being a parent to someone in the grip of drug use.  You will hear deeply personal experiences from Junaid and Ayesha, two young people who have used drugs; Sybil, a parent and grandparent whose children used drugs; and Nombasa, a community worker who supports families affected by drug use. NACOSA's People Who Use Drugs programme focuses on harm reduction for health and does not provide drug rehabilitation or other substance use support services. If you or someone you know needs help with any of the issues discussed in this episode, please contact: South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) 086 147 2622 | www.sancanational.org.za  Al-Anon 0861 252 666 |  www.alanon.org.za Nar-Anon 088 129 6791 | https://nar-anon.org.za Alcohol & Drug Abuse Helpline 0800 12 13 14 (toll-free) Childline 116 Lifeline 0800 012 322  Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    56 min
  7. Introducing Say It Anyway

    09/11/2025

    Introducing Say It Anyway

    Say It Anyway is NACOSA’s new podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions.  This is a podcast about people, their lives and the stories that shape our communities.  Pull up a chair, tune in, and let’s say it anyway.  Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Visit the website: www.nacosa.org.za/podcast Follow us on social media @NACOSANet #EndStigma #ItTakesAVillage #EndAIDS #StopGBV #SayItAnyway

    3 min

Trailer

About

The real. The raw. The untold stories from South African communities. No jargon, no judgement – just honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, Say It Anyway is like a ‘kuier’ (visit) with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions.    This is a podcast about people, their lives and the stories that shape our communities.

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