​37-year-old Moeketsi Mthupi, a resident of Polokong in Sedibeng, faced a daunting journey in recovering from substance use disorder.
This path demanded patience, discipline, dedication, some endurance, and crucially, the support of family, friends, and the community.

Before falling into the clutches of drugs, Mthupi was a diligent student with ambitious aspirations. Raised by a single parent, his life took a drastic turn when his mother passed away in 2006. Taking his family under his wing due to his young age, he extended his trust, but unfortunately, his relatives took advantage of his kindness and left him with nothing but the house. Desperate for the warmth, love, and comfort of a parent, he sought solace outside, where he encountered friends who introduced him to a destructive lifestyle.

Under their influence, he expelled his relatives and transformed his family home, the only inheritance from his mother, into a hub for drug consumption. This stripped away the dignity and sacrifices his mother had made to provide him with shelter. Mthupi’s life spiraled out of control as various drugs were smoked daily, despite concerned neighbors attempting to caution him about the dangers of his choices.

Over time, as he could no longer afford his addiction, he began selling off his furniture one piece at a time until he was left with nothing but a house devoid of doors and windows.

During drug addiction, he left home and lived on the streets of Johannesburg for two years. It was a chance encounter with a former classmate, who looked upon him with disdain, while he scavenged for leftover food in the garbage that shook him back to reality. This moment served as the catalyst for his decision to turn his life around.

Upon returning to his residence, he sought help. In 2020, he reached out to TToughest Young Mind (TYM), an organization funded by Gauteng Social Development, for assistance in overcoming his addiction. The journey was far from easy, as TYM did not initially offer rehabilitation intake, and he had to commute 15 kilometers per day to attend his sessions. Along the way, he faced ridicule from people who made jokes at his expense. However, these challenges did not deter him, as his singular goal was to conquer his drug addiction and regain acceptance within the community.

At TYM, he underwent a treatment program to cleanse his system of drugs and was provided with the opportunity to participate in group sessions and skills classes. These resources played a pivotal role in reshaping his life, enabling him to gain self-sufficiency. With the help of TYM and the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Mothupi proudly said that he is now employed at TYM as a caregiver.