Staff and patients at at the Unchain Our Township centre in Khayelitsha.

The fight against substance abuse is gaining momentum in Khayelitsha with a non-profit organisation playing a crucial role in changing addicts’ lives.

Unchain Our Township (UOT) director Pastor George Miller said they serve as a gender-based violence and faith-based recovery home for addicts.

The organisation was started during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and has survived with little financial support but the “willing support of families”, Mr Miller said.

“Since its establishment in 2020, Unchain Our Township has remained steadfast in its mission to provide a lifeline to individuals battling substance abuse, ” said Mr Miller

He added that they have seen a lot of change in many of their clients.

“We cater primarily to individuals from low-income households, offering transformative programmes that pave the way for recovery and reintegration into society,” he said.

Despite facing financial challenges, the organisation continues to make a profound impact.

“We are entirely self-funded, running on a volunteer-based model where no one receives a salary. While this approach ensures sustainability, it has also led to setbacks — many dedicated volunteers were lost in 2024 due to a lack of funds to cover even their travel expenses,” he said.

However, 2024 was not without its victories, the organisation successfully reintegrated individuals into the workforce, a testament to the effectiveness of its programmes.

Pastor Denzil Ditta said they work with From Ashes to Destiny, which focuses on personal transformation, back-to-work programmes that prepare individuals for employment, and a community feeding project aimed at alleviating hunger among the most vulnerable.

“We recognise the power of collaboration and we have have made strides in bringing other NPOs on board to share the workload. Additionally, vocational and specialised training programmes have been outsourced to expand the opportunities available to those in recovery,” said Mr Ditta.

He said the Department of Social Development has also deepened its partnership with their organisation by involving programme participants in community outreach initiatives.

Mr Ditta said through these engagements, students share their personal stories and educate others on the dangers of substance abuse — turning past struggles into powerful lessons.

The organisation plans to open a feeding scheme project, aiming to provide meals for between 300 and 500 people in Khayelitsha.

“To make this a reality, the organisation is urgently seeking a 500-seater tent, which will serve as a central hub for meal distribution and community gatherings,” he said.

Mr Ditta said they recently hosted a “reunion braai” where each family that has an addict in the facility contributed to the braai.

“It was a very beautiful reunion, the families were joyful to see their sons in a recovery. We hope when they go home they will be changed,” he added.

He urged businesses and the community to support the organisation..

For more information on how you can support contact 076 152 2848 / 068 594 2848 or info@unchainourtownship.co.za o