If you’re travelling from Mitchells Plain Town Centre every morning via the bus or taxi, you would have heard the loud music blasting, from about 5am, for the past two weeks.
This is the sound of Victory Outreach drug rehab programme, who are trying to spread positivity to commuters in the morning.
Headed by Dietmar Lentjies and Dewaan Daniels, the 17-strong group is part of a nine-month live-in programme based at the Mitchells Plain Town Centre, where they are undergoing rehabilitation for drug addiction.
You’ll see them rapping, singing gospel songs and doing motivational talks at the bus and taxi terminuses.
Dewaan, who was on drugs for 15 years, says: “Our aim is to go out and help those stuck in the grip of drugs and gangsterism; those who don’t have a way out’’.
Victory Outreach Church in Mitchells Plain. Picture: Supplied
“There isn’t always finance to send our addicts to rehab. I remember being in the situation in 2015 where my mother couldn’t afford to put me into a rehab, but we heard about Victory Outreach and I did the programme for free for nine months and graduated after a year,” continues Dewaan.
Sebastian Joseph, 35, from Eastridge, was on drugs for 17 years.“I have been in rehab for four months, and I’ve already experienced so much change for the good,” says Sebastian.
Sebastian Joseph, 35. Picture: Supplied
“I used to be in and out of prison and reached for my tik lolly under my bed when I woke up, but one morning, I just left the lolly and went on my knees to thank God for another day of grace.”
The members brace the cold and rain to do their ministry through song and motivational speaking, using one mic and a portable speaker box.
Dietmar says: “We gather at the terminus or the Labour Department where there are masses of people who can listen to our messages.
“We don’t mind going out early in the morning in the storms. We have a mission and we want to reach out to those in need.”
Persons wishing to join the rehab can contact Justin Dreyer on 081 374 1434.
VIDEO: Supplied