When Lehlohonolo Mohorosi first walked through the gates of the Northcliff-based Tshepo Community Development Initiative (CDI), he wasn’t looking for a new beginning; he was simply looking for a meal.

Today, just over a month into the organisation’s phase two programme, he says he has found something far more valuable. “I think I found a home.”

Originally from the Vaal, Mohorosi now lives at the Windsor West Shelter, after spending years experiencing homelessness in Pretoria, Krugersdorp, and the Johannesburg CBD while battling drug addiction. His road to recovery began nearly three years ago, when he entered rehabilitation through the Tswa Daar Programme, an anti-substance abuse campaign launched by the government, which helps move people off the streets and into treatment. After completing almost two years in rehabilitation, he was discharged in March this year with a determination to rebuild his life, but recovery came with a new challenge.

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Unable to return home because his family feared he had not changed, Mohorosi found himself searching not only for employment, but also for acceptance. “The social worker explained there was a shelter in Windsor where I could stay while looking for work, but after being away from work for so long and only having completed Grade 11, I kept asking myself, ‘Where do I start? Who is going to trust me?’.”

An acquittance suggested he visit Tshepo CDI for breakfast and lunch. What began as a search for food quickly became an opportunity to rebuild his future. After hearing about Tshepo’s programmes, he enrolled and has since immersed himself in skills development, learning gardening, compost-making, and sewing. “I’ve already made many beanies.”

The programme has also exposed him to what recovery can look like beyond rehabilitation. During a recent educational visit to Pretoria, Mohorosi met participants in the next phase of the programme who receive a stipend while continuing to build independent lives. “It was inspiring. They live in nice apartments, they earn money, and it showed me what is possible if we stay committed.”

For Mohorosi, however, Tshepo offers something even more important than practical skills. “After rehabilitation, I needed a support structure. You need that familiar hug, but it wasn’t there. Since I found Tshepo, there are people who listen to me.”

He admits recovery is not easy, especially while navigating homelessness. “Sometimes you feel like saying, ‘I’m done.’ You did your best to get rehabilitated, but the world is still hitting you. You’re still homeless and still recovering.”

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Yet despite those challenges, Mohorosi has now remained drug-free for two years and eight months. “I’m proud of myself. I’m thankful to the social workers and the staff. They are really here for us.”

He hopes his story will also encourage families and communities to better understand addiction. “When there’s an addict at home, the whole family is affected. When we recover, families also need to recover. Addiction is a chronic disease. It doesn’t end after rehabilitation. Recovery needs counselling, support, and understanding.”

He believes many people recovering from addiction have untapped potential, if they are simply given the opportunity. “There are committed addicts who genuinely want to recover. We just need support. Many addicts have incredible potential. If we can stand together as a community, nothing will beat us.”

For Mohorosi, every new skill he learns, every day he remains sober, and every person who believes in his future is another step away from the life he once knew – and another step towards the one he is determined to build.

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