Turn to Eternal Life Bible Ministries has a vision and a dream to build a rehabilitation centre in Venterpos.

According to pastor Edward van Schalkwyk of Turn to Eternal Life Bible Ministries, among the major problems in Randfontein, Krugersdorp and Westonaria are prostitution, drugs and occult involvement.

“All these issues go hand in hand and cannot be rehabilitated separately. There are rehabs for these issues but they are too small and the success rate is very low,” Edward explained.

He added that the centre will also focus on other problems people face, such as depression, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

We envision a facility where we can house 200 men, 200 women, 200 HIV/AIDS patients, and 100 children aged between eight and 18 years old. There isn’t a facility like that at the moment.”

The facility will be built in Venterpos as soon as funds are available as they already have been donated 24 hectares of land.

“What makes this facility different is that we are not just looking at the drug problem; we also wish to develop skills. We will have a full-scale chicken farm at the centre to train people from the rehab and teach them certain production techniques, so they can leave the rehabilitation centre with a skill.

“We have started with the layout of the building, and the whole infrastructure probably will cost us R65 million.”

Edward said this will boost the economy because there will be lots of job opportunities.