By Madali Chibambu

• Government-funded programmes in Gauteng are helping individuals recover from substance abuse and rebuild their lives.
• A recovering user from Soweto is regaining stability through shelter support, rehabilitation and social work services.
• Partnerships with shelters and community organisations are strengthening reintegration and long-term recovery efforts.

Substance abuse continues to affect families and communities across Gauteng, but government-funded programmes and support services are providing a pathway to recovery and renewed hope for many individuals.

One such story is that of Happy Tshabalala, a recovering substance user from Diepkloof in Soweto, who is rebuilding his life with the support of services funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

Tshabalala lost nearly everything due to his addiction, including his businesses and family home, which was destroyed in a fire during the height of his substance use. At his lowest point, he lived on the streets, often sleeping under a bridge near Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Today, he is on a path to recovery at the Wembley Homeless Shelter for Displaced, a facility funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development that provides accommodation, psychosocial support and access to rehabilitation services.

Reflecting on his past, Tshabalala recalls how addiction gradually took control of his life. Once a successful businessman, he operated a thriving tuckshop and liquor supply business and was well known in his community.

“I used to wear RM (Rossmoda) from head to toe every day of the week. I was respected in the neighbourhood and my business was doing well,” he said.
However, his life began to unravel after he was introduced to drugs.

“I stopped paying attention to my business and became consumed by the addiction,” he said.
As his condition worsened, his life spiralled further. The fire that destroyed his family home also damaged neighbouring houses, leading to tensions within the community and police intervention.

With nowhere else to turn, Tshabalala found refuge at the Wembley Homeless Shelter, where he began receiving structured support, including social work services and access to rehabilitation programmes.

Through these interventions, he has started rebuilding relationships with his family. Social workers have assisted him in reconnecting with relatives in Diepkloof, where his family has since rebuilt their home.

“My family has rebuilt the house, and the community was happy to see me. They asked me to come back home and help take care of my mother, who became ill during the time I was struggling,” he said.

Tshabalala credits the shelter and its staff for helping him take the first steps toward recovery.
“The shelter has done wonders for me. The staff have given me the support I needed and helped me access rehabilitation services. I now want to rebuild my life and start my business again,” he said.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to partner with shelters, treatment centres and community organisations to combat substance abuse, expand access to rehabilitation services and support reintegration into society.
Through these efforts, the depar