From Drug Abuse to Facilitation of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

What a remarkable journey it has been for Khanya Mgengwana, a young man from Nyanga East. He joined Realistic due to struggles with drug addiction. For the past nine years, he has remained drug-free. In 2022, he became a Facilitator at Realistic Outpatient Rehabilitation Program, and in 2023, he seized the opportunity to participate in a one-year Yes Internship Program at Leap Institute. 

Khanya is not only an invaluable asset to Realistic but also a great contribution to society. Apart from facilitating programs at Realistic Outpatient Program, he actively collaborates with Realistic Early Intervention Program in schools in Guguletu and the surrounding areas. One of Khanya's notable achievements was guiding his younger brother through the "Initiation School," a significant rite of passage among the Nguni Groups for young boys transitioning into manhood. Khanya embraced this responsibility and took on the role of a father and sole provider for all his siblings.