The 29-year-old Ally Seerang from Tsakane in Ekurhuleni says he's thankful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for helping him to overcome his drug addiction.
Seerang is one of the learners at Xilembeni Project Centre of Excellence in Bapsfontein, who is currently undergoing Artisan training.
This Centre of Excellence was officially opened last week Tuesday by the Gauteng MEC of Social Development, Thuliswa Khawe, following her maiden budget vote speech in July where she promised to launch these centres in Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and Johannesburg.
Speaking to department officials and fellow learners, Seerang said he is proud to represent all recovering substance abuse service users.
"It has been a very tough journey for us, from being at Witpoort Treatment Centre to being part of the Xilembeni Project. We were never used to working, the only thing we did was to steal everything that was made of metal from our neighbours and sell them to feed our addiction."
"Being at Xilembeni, we had to gather our skills so that we can be well-off and help our families to survive."
"As we continue acquiring these skills we hope we can be a great asset in our communities. The very same kind of metal that we used to steal, today we are working with it and I have learned a lot on how to do welding," said a gratified Seerang.
The department will continue to unveil centres of excellence throughout the province to empower young people like Seerang to be self-reliant. MEC will also open Bokamoso centre in Evaton.