Recovering substance users celebrated at Germiston aftercare programme
Former substance user applauds Department for successful recovery and link to skills development programmes.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Eastern Corridor Substance Abuse Unit hosted an aftercare programme at its Germiston office to help reintegrate recovering substance users back into society.
At least 14 people who successfully completed rehabilitation were joined by their families, pastors, social workers, and medical experts in a celebration of recovery and resilience.
Eastern Corridor Social Work Manager Tozama Tshabane presented the group with certificates, emphasising that their journey must be supported by meaningful skills development opportunities.
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“We are very happy as a Department to host our ‘soldiers’ today who went to war and came back victorious and rehabilitated.
We know this journey to recovery is very difficult, but we are here to support them,” said Social Work Supervisor Bongiwe Dube.
Dube stressed that the fight against substance abuse requires collaboration and encouraged others seeking rehabilitation to reach out to the Department for assistance.
Among those honoured was Lungelo Cekiso, a 28-year-old from Greenfields, Alberton, whose story shone with hope and determination.
After completing a six-week rehabilitation programme at Clinix Group in Randfontein, Cekiso continued with a six-month skills development programme at Xilembeni Projects Centre of Excellence in Bapsfontein, supported by the Department.
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“Today I am a qualified bricklayer, carpenter, plumber, welder, tiler, painter, and roof layer with an accredited certificate. These were provided to me free of charge,” said Cekiso proudly.
His new skills opened doors: in January this year, he secured a three-month contract as an assistant welding teacher at St.
Anthony’s Education Centre in Boksburg. A month later, he was appointed full-time at a welding company.
“I am now able to provide for my family and put food on the table,” he said.
