Thembisa Drug Rehab Centre celebrates recovery milestone with 2025 intake
Eight men celebrated their sobriety at the Thembisa Drug Rehabilitation Centre, where a powerful support system and therapy sessions are changing lives and empowering addicts to start anew.
The Thembisa Drug Rehabilitation Centre opened its doors in February for the 2025 programme, again offering a second chance to those battling substance abuse.
As the journey toward healing and reintegration continues, the centre recently marked a milestone by welcoming its first group of recovering addicts for the year at its newly established facility.
Eight men who completed rehabilitation in early June were welcomed at an intimate event, surrounded by their families, peers and the team that supported them throughout their recovery.
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The gathering was filled with joy, music, testimonies and heartfelt moments that highlighted the importance of support and perseverance.
The moment was made more meaningful by the presence of individuals who joined the programme in 2024 and continue attending sessions regularly, remaining drug-free.
Their ongoing commitment testifies to the centre’s effectiveness and the strength of its community.
“For me, rehab was intense. Without this journey, I don’t think I’d be here today,” said Clifford Mogane, a recovering addict.
“This was my third time in rehab. The first two times, I went because of family pressure, but this last time, I went for myself.
“The one-on-one sessions with social workers changed my life. I used to smoke crystal meth, which caused hallucinations, made me hyper and then led to crashes; it was destroying me.
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“Now I’m clean, and I’ve decided to return to school to finish matric. I’ve been accepted, and from here, it’s education and moving forward.”
Another graduate, Thamsanqa Mathibela, shared his challenges and the negativity he faced from those around him.
“When I went to rehab, some people I used to smoke with discouraged me. They looked down on us and spoke of relapse as if it were inevitable.
“But I turned that negativity into fuel and stayed strong. We now have a father figure in Thato Matome, who took us off the streets and led us to the light.
“My family has always supported me, and seen how many lives this programme has changed.”
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The celebratory event honoured the graduates not only for overcoming addiction but also for reclaiming control of their lives.
They were crowned “presidents of their lives” and reminded that true transformation begins with self-belief, discipline, and a strong support system.
