Philanthropist and founder of the Tembisa Drug Rehabilitation Movement, Thato Matome, hosted a charity drive at the Madelakufa settlement on Christmas Day, sharing meals and refreshments with substance abusers and underprivileged children.

Matome said the initiative was guided by his belief that, in the eyes of God, no one should go hungry, especially on Christmas Day.

“Through the support of Delisa Bhembe, the Serurubele Foundation, the Dinkinja Legacy, Miss Tembisa and many others, we thank all donors and supporters who made this charity drive a success,” said Matome.

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Some 130 people, including children from Madelakufa 2, were served with food and left with smiles, while women received sanitary pads donated by Ausi Phuthi.

Matome described 2025 as a challenging period for the rehabilitation movement.

“It was a very difficult year for us. We took only 25 people through the recovery programme. However, the lesson I learnt is never to lose hope. I believe changing even one person’s life is a victory,” he said.

He added that one of the organisation’s biggest challenges was no sponsors.

“We had no sponsorship. We also did not have job opportunities to offer recovering individuals, and I used my salary to provide food for our patients,” said Matome.

A highlight of the movement was an event on August 30, aimed at healing wounded parents.

“We noticed that parents often carry the heaviest burden. That event was about showing them love, care and support, with the help of our community,” he said.

Looking ahead, the organisation remains committed to fighting drug addiction in the community.

“Our plan is to continue the fight against drug addiction. In the first part of the year, we will take 10 people into recovery.

“We have also partnered with T Shad, which will create 20 jobs for clean and sober recovering addicts, allowing them to continue their recovery journey while supporting their families,” he said.