FORMER SUBSTANCE USER SHARES POWERFUL JOURNEY OF RECOVERY AT ‘BAKAE-KE MOJA’ CAMPAIGN IN MAGALIESBURG

By Madali Chibambu.

• Serame Maduna, a former substance user, shared an inspiring story of recovery, crediting family support and the Department of Social Development’s aftercare initiatives for helping him rebuild his life and regain self-reliance.
• The ‘Bakae-Ke Moja’ Campaign focuses on reconnecting rehabilitated individuals with skills development and training programmes to support long-term recovery and community reintegration.
• Motivated by Maduna’s transformation, a member of the community stated their intention to initiate rehabilitation at Ithemba Centre, highlighting the campaign’s effectiveness in encouraging others to pursue constructive change.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Western Corridor hosted an impactful session of the ‘Bakae – Ke Moja’ Campaign at Ubuntu Library in Magaliesburg, where a former substance user, Serame Maduna, shared a testimony of recovery, resilience, and renewal.
The campaign, which later continued to Munsieville and Kagiso, seeks to reconnect with individuals who have successfully completed substance use treatment and aftercare programmes. It also aims to link former substance users to skills development initiatives and training opportunities that promote self-reliance and successful reintegration into their communities.
Maduna, now gainfully employed at an organisation in the Western Corridor, took to the stage to reflect on his journey towards healing and recovery.
“I would like to thank my stepmother, who never gave up on me, even in the absence of my mother. Today, I am proud to be working and providing for my family,” said Maduna.
“I started with cigarettes, then dagga, and later moved to hard drugs. I ignored those who cared for me and followed the wrong crowd, many of whom are now behind bars,” he added.
Maduna urged young people to listen to their parents and guardians, emphasising that genuine care is not defined by biological ties but by consistent love and support. His heartfelt story was met with applause and admiration from community members, social development officials, and other government stakeholders present.
Kgomotso Phofa from the department’s Krugersdorp office commended Maduna for his courage and determination:
“We understand that the journey to recovery is not easy, but through continuous support and commitment, individuals like Maduna remind us that change is possible. We look forward to seeing more of our former beneficiaries reclaim their lives.”
A friend of Maduna, who asked to remain anonymous, also shared his gratitude and announced that he would soon be entering rehabilitation at Ithemba Centre, inspired by Maduna’s transformation.
The ‘Bakae – Ke Moja’ campaign forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to monitor and support beneficiaries beyond treatment, ensuring that recovery is not only sustained but also strengthened through empowerment and opportunity.
Through such initiatives, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to support its mission to fight substance abuse and build communities of hope, resilience, and purpose.