Michael Botha, a self-confessed drug addict and beggar, is turning around his life in rehab.
After the News had published Michael’s story in the newspaper, his sister, Michelle Senekel, came forward. She told her side of Michael’s story. The News posted a heartbreaking video in which Michael confesses to being a beggar to support his drug addiction, which received almost 1 000 views on YouTube.
People felt great sympathy towards Michelle and her brother and not long after, sponsors started contacting her.
“My phone didn’t stop ringing. We eventually got sponsors who allowed for Michael to be admitted to a private rehabilitation centre.”
The centre, Walking With Winners, updates Michelle and her mother daily on Michael’s progress.
“He is doing very well. He tried walking away once, because the withdrawals are so bad, but the centre managed to convince him to stay.”
Michelle said Michael has been in other rehabs before, but never in one where the programme continued longer than a few weeks. This time, the programme will continue for six months.
“This can change his life. He was eager to go to the centre when I picked him up and told him about it. He really wants to change his life.”
Michael only will be able to talk to his family after two weeks and see them in six weeks.
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