Kliptown’s Hope: Former addict establishes centre to combat drug abuse
. Supported by sponsors, HEVC offers a halfway house, rehab access, and crucial aftercare services, providing a path to recovery and hope for youth and families in the Soweto community.
The Hope Eco Village Centre (HEVC) in Kliptown, Marikana, was founded by Terrance Shikwambana, a former substance abuser who answered the call to address drug abuse in his community.
Shikwambana shared that, with support from several sponsors, the journey has been challenging but eye-opening.
“The idea to open the centre came while I was in rehab. I wanted to do something for my community and heal what I see as the biggest social ill – substance abuse.
“I believe no one understands the journey of addiction and recovery better than I do,” said Shikwambana.
Shikwambana’s journey
Shikwambana shared his addiction journey, saying he started using drugs under peer influence. Being financially stable at the time, he could afford to buy drugs and enjoyed the high, describing it as feeling “on top of the world”.
With support from mentor Samuel Ndlovu, he later decided to seek help and entered rehab. It was during his recovery that the idea for the HEVC was born.
The halfway house supports addicts who need help accessing rehabilitation. Shikwambana and his team find facilities that can admit individuals. They also provide aftercare services, allowing recovering addicts to engage in theatre, tutor local children, and participate in community service activities, such as soup kitchens and drug awareness talks.
HEVC member and recovering addict Sihle Msiya shared his journey through addiction.
“I started using drugs at 16, in high school.
“I tried Mandrax for the first time because I was under pressure from a school assignment and wanted a high to get through it.”
Msiya shared that his family only realised he was using drugs in 2021. He told the Urban News that, after several attempts by his family to get him into rehab, he finally agreed to go in January after he was shot.
He said he met Shikwambana after returning from rehab to receive aftercare at the centre.
Tumelo Mohlala (28), a centre client preparing to leave for rehab, shared his story.
“I started using crystal meth and Mandrax after matric. My mother passed away without an ID, which meant I didn’t have one either.
“The stress after matric got to me, and that’s how I fell into drugs. I’ve decided to get treatment because Shikwambana made me realise how disastrous drugs can be.”
Mohlala said he is involved in theatre and participates in theatre activities with the children at the centre. He hopes to make a living from theatre after his return.
With Youth Day approaching, Shikwambana shared his excitement about making a difference in the lives of Kliptown’s youth.
“This social ill affects not only the users but their families as well. I am glad many families can now rest easier knowing their children are being cared for and receiving help,” he said.
