Ziyanda Tshefu is a young woman of strength who joined the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC) in 2012 as counsellor after completing her studies. Talking to people in their home language is very important to her where she deals with users on a daily basis. This is her story.

“I joined the CTDCC because it offers me the opportunity to change lives. I’ve seen what a difference it can make in a person’s life when you talk to them in their language. Some community groups don’t realise that they have access to services such as what we offer at the drug counselling centre, including individual sessions, group work, family counselling, art and drama therapy, informative lectures by rehabilitated users, medical and psychiatric services, and acupuncture and aromatherapy. We work with people of all ages and races, and everyone is welcome.

What I find most challenging is when families don’t want to get involved. I can see how it hurts the user and how they often relapse when they’re not supported. The highly addictive drug, heroin, has the highest relapse rate. But relapse doesn’t mean that you’ve failed; it’s part of the process. We always welcome people back and encourage them to take the journey. We’ve had some clients come and go for months, but we never give up on them.

For me it’s most important to plant the seed. Even if someone drops out of the programme and all hope feels lost, it isn’t, because you’ve switched on a light. The seed will grow, and when they return, we will be there to empower them.”

If you have a problem or know of someone that needs help, call the City of Cape Town 24-hour drug helpline on 0800 4357 48. For more stories, follow the #ihaveadrugproblem hashtag.

Let’s kick Cape Town’s drug problem, together.

This initiative was made possible by the City of Cape Town, Making Progress Possible. Together.