A recovered drug addict, Tshidiso Tshose has praised the Gauteng Department of Social Development as well as his family for not turning their back on him.
The 26-year-old from Khutsong on the West Rand is currently a beneficiary of the Bambisandla Sam Centre of Excellence in Carletonville and is currently undergoing training as an assistant chef.
The centre is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development to strengthen reintegration and aftercare services and offers accredited national certificates in skills development programmes such as hospitality, first aid, food and beverage services, cookery, plant production and scooter driving to name a few.
Speaking during the celebration of International Day for Families (IDF) at Carletonville Civic Centre on Monday, Tshidiso said he was proud to be the first chef in his family despite facing many challenges as a child.
“Growing up, I was ill-disciplined, and not a trusted member of society due to drugs and substance abuse. But I thank Bambisandla Sam Centre of Excellence for restoring hope in me and believing I can be someone better in life.
“I am one of the few if not the first in my community to become a chef. As we observe the International Day for Families, I want to thank my family for their support. Today, I am the only male person in the family who works with food, and I believe this programme will take me far,” said Tshidiso.
He further encouraged young people who are still active users and battling drug addiction to seek help as there are many opportunities provided by the government including free rehabilitation services.
The energetic and work-driven Tshidiso is currently doing practical training and will be graduating as a professional chef in October.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development recently engaged over 500 families as part of IDF observed under the theme, ‘The Impact of Demographic Trends on Families’.
Annually, on May 15, the department joins the global community to promote the well-being of families as the building blocks of society that play a crucial role in shaping the future of communities.
