Recovering drug user on course to being a professional Chef
A recovering substance user, Tshidiso Tshose has given praises to the Gauteng Department of Social Development and his family for not turning a blind eye on him while he was battling with drug addiction.
The 26-year-old from Khayalethu in Khutsong, West Rand is currently a beneficiary of Bambisandla Sam Centre of Excellence in Carletonville who is currently undergoing training as an Assistant Chef.
The centre is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development to strengthen re-integration and aftercare services and offers accredited national certificates in skills development programmes such as hospitality, first aid, food and beverage services, cookery, plant production and scooter driving to name a few.
Speaking during the celebration of International Day for Families at Carletonville Civic Centre on Monday, Tshose said he was proud to be the first chef in his family despite facing many challenges as a child.
“Growing up, I was ill-disciplined, and not a trusted member of society due to drugs and substance abuse. But I thank Bambisandla Sam Centre of Excellence for restoring hope in me and believed I can be someone better in life.”
“I am one of the few if not the first in my community to become a chef. As we observe the International Day for Families, I want to thank my family for giving me the support. Today, I am the only male person in the family who works with food, and I believe this programme will take me far,” said Tshose.
He further encouraged young people who are still active users and battling with drug addiction to seek help as there are many opportunities provided by the government including free rehabilitation services.
The energetic and work driven Tshose, is currently doing practical training and will be graduating as a professional chef in October, this year.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development on Monday, May 15, engaged over five hundred (500) families as part of International Day for Families (IDF) observed under the theme, “The Impact of Demographic Trends on Families”.
Annually, on 15 May, the Department joins the global community to promote the well-being of families as the building blocks of society that play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities.
