This Women’s Day we celebrate women who continue to rise above life obstacles, doing amazing things within our societies and proving to every girl child that humility, resilience and ubuntu will take you far in life.
Sessa Ntete is the founder and CEO of Siphokazi Recovery Centre, a center that offers an In-patient Treatment and Rehabilitation Facility for Alcohol & Drug Dependent patients. Siphokazi Recovery Centre’s mission is to rebuild lives through hope, compassion and commitment.
A former teacher, Sessa is no stranger to working with people, young and old. After she left the teaching industry, she embarked on a community project where she provided meals to those in need from her own pocket. Bringing healing, hope and comfort to others is something that comes natural to her.
BONA had the pleasure to speak to Sessa asking her to share her reasons for the birth of the Siphokazi Recovery Centre. Sessa shared that the centre was opened as a “mandate to remind those who have been overpowered by substance abuse that there is still hope and a possibility of a turnaround,” adding that nothing can stop a person from overcoming any obstacle if he/she starts looking at himself/herself as a precious gift (iSiphokazi).
Through its 21 days rehabilitation program, the center restores hope and dignity to those who have resorted to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism, something beneficial to their families as living with someone who suffers from substance abuse is likely to affect them.
We asked what Women’s Day means to her, Sessa shared that the day is “a reminder that as one, united, women can do great things together.”
The centre is licensed to take 18 inpatient clients for a period of 21 days. Those in other provinces who feel ready to overcome their substance dependency but would not like to do it within their surroundings could go on a 21-day trip to Siphokazi Recovery Center in East London where they are promised to come out purposeful.
The centre opens from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 21:00.
Also see: World Health Organization reinforces mental health issues at work
