DELMAS – Established in January 2024, the VukaSambe Back To Life Development Centre is located at 905 Shabangu Street in Botleng Location. The organisation aims to benefit the Delmas community by facilitating skills development for youth and community members, organising sports and cultural activities for youth development, and running awareness campaigns and workshops for those struggling with substance abuse.
The Centre operates on designated days each week and provides aftercare sessions for individuals exiting rehabilitation centres.
Samson Manamela, the Centre Manager, emphasised how they manage costs at VukaSambe since its inception. “We receive monetary donations from community members, which allows us to buy food and cook for our clients on a weekly basis,” he explained. “Most officials cannot assist us because we don’t yet have NPO status, but we are in the process of registering.” He added that the organisation welcomes everyone, regardless of colour or gender. The Centre also assists members in booking placements for service users in inpatient treatment facilities for their recovery from drug addiction.
Former user Innocent Ramphisa shared his experience since joining the VukaSambe Back To Life Development Centre. “This centre helped me recover from drug abuse through their group sessions after I came from the rehabilitation centre. The support here is invaluable, but it lacks sufficient resources to fully assist service users. We need a drug-free youth in Delmas,” Ramphisa expressed.
