BABALO NTSINI, ONELA RUNGQU, ALIZWA DAYILE
A rehabilitation centre in Gonubie is proving that recovery can be cultivated one seed at a time through a farming initiative that is transforming lives while helping put food on the table.
Four Brothers Drug Recovery Centre has partnered with Izulu Lami (“Own Heaven“) to establish a farming project growing spinach and cabbage — keeping patients engaged in meaningful work, equipping them with practical agricultural skills and producing fresh food to help sustain the facility.
Izulu Lami founder Thokozani Sibisi, a biotechnology graduate from Vaal University of Technology, who spent more than a decade working for Tiger Brands, told the Go! she and her husband, Siphiwe Gabela, partnered with the rehabilitation centre because the land belongs to the facility.
“The plan was that if a person comes out of rehab and has nothing to do, they can come and work with us,” Sibisi said. “As we started this project, we worked with graduates from the rehabilitation programme. They helped plant this entire field.”
Sibisi said although the business employs a few people from outside the centre, former patients are welcome to return and work on the farm.
“Our long-term plan is to develop a proper training system so that those interested in farming leave with valuable agricultural skills.”
The project occupies 1ha of the 20ha property, with expansion already planned. “Next season we want to cultivate another 5ha. This is only the beginning and we want to grow the project as much as possible,” she said.
Sibisi said her passion for agriculture brought her to Gonubie after years in the food industry.
“Farming is often underappreciated because people don’t always think about where their food comes from. I believe farming offers young black people an opportunity to build sustainable careers and pass valuable skills on to future generations.”
She said one of her biggest ambitions is to create opportunities for graduates struggling to gain experience.
“I experienced first-hand how difficult it was to find practical training after completing my biotechnology studies.
“There is a gap in creating opportunities for young black graduates, and we want to change that.”
Gabela a Wits University IT graduate who worked for Dimension Data for years, said the farming venture, launched in April, was established to empower young people through agriculture.
“Our objective is to create a platform where young people can develop practical skills while also giving recovering addicts an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
“We are not looking for specific qualifications. We simply want to create opportunities and give back. Anyone who wants to work and improve their life is welcome. In many ways, farming becomes a form of agro-therapy.”
Four Brothers Drug Recovery Centre manager Theolin Reddy said the project has had a remarkable impact on patients. “Many of the guys arrive here after living lives filled with chaos.
“Working on the farm gives them something positive to focus on and allows them to become part of something meaningful,” Reddy said.
He said seeing crops grow through their own efforts gives patients a sense of accomplishment and pride.
“It keeps their minds occupied, helps them stay calm and reminds them they are capable of achieving something worthwhile.”
Reddy admitted previous attempts at farming had failed because the centre lacked agricultural expertise.
“We’ve had this land for about six years, but we’re not farmers. We tried several small projects that failed and cost us a lot of money.
“We’re grateful that Siphiwe and Thokozani came with the knowledge and vision to make this work.”
The centre initially involved 12 patients in the project, with eight currently working in the fields, helping with planting, weeding and maintaining crops.
Recovering addict Sykes Terblanche said the Four Brothers rehabilitation programme changed his life after completing its 101-day, internationally recognised, 12-step programme.
Now volunteering at the centre, he mentors patients through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, assists with homework and provides daily support.
Terblanche said the centre’s close-knit fellowship and ongoing follow-up distinguish it from many rehabilitation programmes.
“Recovery doesn’t end when the programme finishes. Staying connected, supporting one another and building a community gives people a far better chance of maintaining a sober and meaningful life,” he said.
