Graduates recovering from substance abuse honoured
Graduates who are part of the Department of Social Development's rehabilitation programme were honoured during a grand ceremony recently.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) was in town to honour and celebrate a string of graduates who are recovering from substance abuse.
The celebration took place during a graduation ceremony held at the Nkanyisa Recovery Centre in Wes Porges on June 26.
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The day was also aimed at commemorating International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The graduates are all part of the department’s rehabilitation programme where they studied different short courses that will help empower them when they go back into society.
Mzwakhe Kobokwane from the Vaal is part of the rehabilitation programme and spoke to Newzroom Afrika about how the programme was able to help him.
“Drugs were a massive problem in my life and had initially ruined my life. A lot of people didn’t trust me, including my family members. I was a bad example in the community. I use to commit robberies, housebreaking and other petty crimes and my family was heavily affected by my deeds. People would even come to my house with knives and pangas, looking for me and wanting to kill me because of the things I did.
“I was also beaten several times through mob justice but God has been there for me as I am still alive. He gave me the strength to change my life around. I have so many scars because of that but I have decided to turn those scars into stars. I have learned my lesson,” said Mzwakhe.
He added that he is now an assistant chef.
Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu and the MEC in the Department of Social Development Mbali Hlophe were also present at the event and addressed the graduates, giving them hope for a better future.
