Local NPO celebrates achievements at annual graduation ceremony

The Tintswalo Home Based Care held its first annual graduation ceremony in Kempton Park to celebrate the achievements of those who overcame drug addiction and completed the organisation’s skills development programme on March 28.

Founded in 2010, Tintswalo is an NPO providing primary healthcare services across Ekurhuleni. Its services include HIV prevention and testing, opioid substitution therapy and viral hepatitis B and C testing and treatment.

The organisation also offers tailored support for drug users, operating from offices in Winnie Mandela Park, Thembisa and Rhodesfield in Kempton Park.

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Ellisa Ngomane, the NPO’s chairperson and founder, explained the meaning behind the name.

“Tintswalo is a Tsonga word meaning ‘grace’, and we believe the organisation exists by God’s grace.

“Our mission is to provide healthcare services to the community, particularly to individuals at high risk, by offering HIV, TB and STI testing and social mobilisation,” said Ngomane.

A core focus of the NPO is supporting people struggling with substance use.

Tintswalo’s comprehensive rehabilitation programme offers them a path off the streets, access to support and healthcare, and skills training to empower them to become self-reliant.

Since 2019, the organisation has provided vital education and services around harm reduction and HIV prevention.

Programme manager Dolly Machabe explained that their outreach work involves visiting various areas to give drug users access to medication and support.

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“We have professional nurses on our team and understand that quitting drugs is a process; it takes time. We’re not impatient with anyone,” she said.

“It’s humbling to be called ‘Mom’. It means so much knowing we touch lives by assisting vulnerable people.”

Machabe added that the organisation walks the entire journey with participants.

“Even if it takes time or they relapse, we stay with them and help reunite them with their families.”

She also addressed common stereotypes about drug users.

“If something is stolen in the community, people are quick to assume drug users are responsible. That’s not always the case.

“There’s a harmful generalisation, and that’s where we, as an organisation, step in to advocate on their behalf.”

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One of the most emotional moments of the event came from testimony by a father, John Letswalo, whose son completed the programme and turned around his life.

“I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude as I share my son’s journey to recovery.

“When he was struggling with addiction, I used to leave my phone out in the open to test him, thinking he might sell it to feed his habit. But he never did,” he said.

Letswalo said everything changed when his son joined Tintswalo’s programme, “With their support, he began rebuilding his life.

“He started respecting me, and our relationship began to heal. I’m so thankful to Tintswalo for helping my son find his way. Their programme saved his life and restored our family’s hope and dignity.”

Graduate Tiisetso Maroleng also shared his story, “I went to rehab for one year and two months. During that time, we had learnt new skills. I thank Tintswalo for everything they did. It wasn’t easy, but we made it.”

Maroleng said he hoped this would be the first of many groups to graduate from the programme.

“We want to keep doing well so the organisation doesn’t give up on us or others who need help.”