​29-year-old Tshiamo Bindela from Kagiso in Mogale City is a recovered substance user who is currently working as a chef in one of the biggest mining companies in South Africa, Harmony Gold.
Recently, Bindela bought himself a car, a Volkswagen Polo, that was a surprise to his mother, who was always in tears because of him abusing substances. According to Bindela, he is happy to bring a smile to his mother's face. “I was a problem child until a Social Worker from the Gauteng Department of Social Development named Nomonde came to my rescue. Little did I know that one day I will be preparing food for executives in a big mine” explains Bindela with a smile.

“In 2020, sister Nomonde invited me to their office in Krugersdorp, where she offered me counseling and sent me to a drug rehabilitation centre. After completing a six-week program, I was taken to Bambisandla Sam’ Skills Development centre in Wedela, where I was trained as a chef.

“Today I cannot believe that I receive a monthly salary, own a new car and work for big company in the country. I never thought I would recover. I had lost hope in everything, but after counseling and putting my foot at Bambisandla Sam’s doorstep, everything came to light.

Bindela, who calls himself “Fancy Chef’ said there is always a second chance in life where people need to take it very seriously. Seeing his mother in tears every day pained him as he also wanted to quit, but it was never easy with peer pressure in dominance.

When he started his training at Bambisandla Sam, his mother was always there to support him. However, showing her his new car was a big surprise. Bindela said he wanted to improve his studies, and he went back to college, where he studies theory.

Bindela started to take life seriously when he became an intern in one of the corporate companies in Sandton. He said in Sandton the beautiful people and beautiful buildings inspired him the most to be where he is today.

“I would like to thank Sister Nomonde, who was always there for me and making follow-ups in all my activities. I would like to encourage those who are still abusing substances to think about tomorrow and their family. It is never too late to change for the better,” said Bindela. In five years to come, Bindela wants to give back to the community by starting food kitchens and creating jobs for those who come from vulnerable backgrounds. He said there is no turning back as he sees himself as the best chef in Gauteng.