At 57, Nick Chapman is riding thousands of kilometres across SA on his motorbike not in search of adventure, but to save lives.
The Johannesburg-based recovering addict has embarked on a journey from Gauteng through KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, sharing a simple message with people battling addiction: recovery is possible.
Travelling on his 2003 Triumph Bonneville, affectionately named Bonny, Chapman has already covered more than 3,500km and expects to travel about 5,000km before returning home.
At every stop, he visits recovery meetings and rehabilitation centres, where he shares his own story and offers practical tools to people beginning their recovery journeys.
“I was born without a stop button,” Chapman said.
“We look for external things to feel better, and by the time you reach your teenage years, it becomes a problem.”
Chapman has been sober for nearly 19 years after overcoming addiction at the age of 38.
His life changed on December 28 2007, when he entered recovery after spending six weeks at Phoenix House rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg.
Although he lived in Dubai for 20 years and also spent time in the UK and US, he credits SA for having given him a second chance.
“My journey started here in South Africa, and it’s time to thank the people of this country for 12-stepping me when I was desperate, and ultimately saving my life,” he said.
Now a shareholder in a company, Chapman says success is no longer measured by money.
Instead, he has dedicated almost two decades to helping others overcome addiction.
His “Carry the Message” journey has taken him through Johannesburg, Scottburgh, Durban, Margate, KuGompo, Plettenberg Bay and Cape Town.
Last week, he visited local recovery meetings and rehabilitation centres, including Four Brothers in Gonubie, and spent time speaking with homeless people living with addiction.
“There’s been unbelievable support everywhere I’ve been,” he said. “People are so grateful when you tell them there is hope.”
He described his visit to the Eastern Cape as one of the highlights of his trip.
“Driving through the Eastern Cape was beautiful. I spoke to people in facilities and even spent time talking to homeless individuals.
“The connection is the same — our stories are the same.” Now in Cape Town, he continues meeting people in recovery and says he is constantly reminded how similar their experiences are.
“I met someone last night who shared their story with me, and it was the same as mine. That’s what this is about — we understand each other.”
The ride has also been emotional.
“I’ve cried a lot,” he admitted. “The first period of recovery is hard. Your whole life has been based on one obsession, and when that stops, it’s tough.”
He believes addiction should be treated with compassion rather than judgment, while also recognising that accountability is essential for recovery.
“People look at addicts differently. They look down on them and dismiss them. But they’re suffering from a sickness.”
He says recovery is difficult without strong support structures and credits his wife, Lizzie, for standing by him.
“If I can help even one person through this mission, then that’s what it’s all about for me.”
As he prepares for the 1,400km ride back to Johannesburg, he hopes his message reaches anyone struggling with addiction: “Whatever addiction you’re facing, you can do it. There is help. There is hope. One day at a time.”
