NKOSINATHI Makhoba has opened his heart, home and pockets to give more than 100 drug addicts a safe place to change their ways.
Nkosinathi from Reeston in East London, Eastern Cape, said he was given a second chance once and he wanted to do the same for others.
His home and the church he attends have become places where men and women who have been trapped in a cycle of substance abuse for years can get a chance to break it.
They also help women who have fled abusive homes.
“This is like a rehabilitation centre for them. Here, they feel safer than where they came from, whether its the street or their homes,” he said.
“They eat a lot and I spend a lot of money on them but it’s painful to see children being homeless and on drugs.”
Nkosinathi said he had managed to register many of the children he took care of at various schools in the Buffalo City Municipality.
Simthembile Roqo from Qonce said he arrived at Nkosinathi’s home in 2020 after abusing drugs for 10 years.
“I was a good person but 10 years ago, I started taking drugs and my life changed for the worse. I was a drug addict who would rob people, break into houses and steal from my own family and friends but now I am different,” he said.
Odwa Mqheba said he had been with Nkosinathi for four months. He said he felt safe and was determined to change.
Womens Rights International director Dr Lesley Ann Fosler said drug addicts needed to be supported.
