Tsakani – The community of Tsakani and the surrounding areas gathered at Tsakane Hall for the Mother, Son, and Daughter Prayer event hosted by Second Chance Care and Recovery Centre on September 9.

The powerful prayer session served as an act of raising awareness and seeking divine intervention in the fight against substance abuse.

Second Chance Care and Recovery Centre founder Jabulani Sibanyoni emphasised the need for prayer and education in tackling addiction.

“We have realised that while one person may be using substances, the entire family suffers. That is why we are here today to ask God to intervene and to educate our community about drug use,” he said.

Sibanyoni mentioned that the prayer session is mostly focused on women as they are the pillars within their families and always strive to assist their children when battling with drugs.

He cited that part of their prayer session was an initiative to raise awareness of their centres’ programmes and initiatives dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their lives.

“The centre offers pre-admission and post-admission counselling, as well as support groups for parents and caregivers.

“On Fridays, we run sessions with parents to help them understand how to support a loved one battling addiction. Support groups allow families to share experiences and learn from one another, which helps with healing.”

Beyond counselling, the centre connects recovering addicts to skills development opportunities. Recently, it partnered with a mining company that helps recovered addicts reshape their lives through short-term employment.

“Over the past two months, some individuals supported by the programme have managed to secure temporary jobs which serve as a step toward rebuilding their lives,” added Sibanyoni.

The event held drama and poetry performances, showcasing the creative talents of recovering individuals. It also highlighted positive ways to channel energy and expression.

“Our message is clear. Addiction is not the parents’ fault. It’s about choices. But with prayer, support, and education, there is always hope for recovery,” he said.

The event received support from the Department of Social Development and Tsakani SuperSpar. One of the speakers at the event, Dr. Hebron Mazibuko, reflected on the state of society, warning that the religious sector has lost much of its influence at a time when it is needed most.

“Once a moral compass, the church is now weakened by compromise, leaving families vulnerable to the rise of substance abuse.

“Christianity once dominated as a guide for morality, but corruption has crept into both the church and society.

“When faith abandons sound teaching, the community suffers and young people turn to drugs for answers that faith no longer provides,” he said.

“Families are carrying the heaviest burden, as addiction breaks households apart and robs the community of future leaders.

“Politics also reflects this decline, with leaders emerging from a society already shaped by weakness and corruption.

“If the church, families, and communities unite once more, substance abuse can be defeated. We need prayer, strong values, and support systems to restore dignity to our people.”

Recovering substance user Malibongwe Mavuso shared his journey while urging parents to support their children when addicted to substances.

“Being addicted to drugs is emotionally draining and unbearable. Drugs hinder you from sleeping; they make you tired while the brain needs to rest.

“The community labels you, calls you names and attacks your family for everything you do. I was beyond prepared to quit drugs last year, and that is when I begged my family to find me help,” he explained.

“I lost myself, my job and those closest to me. I am thankful to my partner, who urged me to quit drugs and to focus on myself.

“The journey I am going through is tough, but doable.”

He also advised other substance users to refrain from drug use and to think of their future. He further thanked Second Chance Care and Recovery Centre for not treating him differently when he came to seek help.

As the community continues to face the devastating effects of drugs, the centre hopes more families will find healing, strength, and the courage to support their loved ones on the road to recovery.