A Sister’s Cry for Help: Family Battles Addiction and Homelessness in Desperate Bid for Change

by Thabiso Rakgaka

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Nthabiseng Molele’s heart aches as she watches her younger sister spiral deeper into addiction and homelessness. Living on the streets of Makause in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, her sister has become a shadow of the person she once was, often found sleeping in passages or anywhere she can find shelter. She covers herself with whatever she can find, from tattered blankets to discarded rugs, as passersby overlook the human being lying there, unaware of the desperate situation.

Addiction has gripped Nthabiseng’s sister, and it’s tearing their family apart. Deeply troubled by her sister’s substance abuse, Nthabiseng worries daily about the risks her sister faces. “She vanishes for days, and when she returns, she’s always high. She doesn’t seem aware of how she’s harming herself,” Nthabiseng shared, her voice heavy with emotion. The family’s fear is growing, as they know the dangers of life on the streets, including the possibility of violence or exploitation.

The situation took a painful turn when Nthabiseng recently found her sister sleeping under an old, dirty rug she had found on the streets. “She just rolled it over herself and slept,” Nthabiseng recalled. This image is a stark reminder of how far her sister has fallen, and how addiction has led her to associate with the wrong people. “When I see her in this condition, my heart breaks. I’m begging anyone who reads this to help us. It’s hard to accept, but I fear for her safety, knowing she might be taken advantage of by others.”

Community leader Daniel Letswalo expressed his concern for the young woman’s plight, hoping for a change but acknowledging that real transformation can only happen if she’s willing to accept help. “We wish for her life to improve, but it’s crucial that she wants to make that change herself. We can’t force her into rehabilitation; it has to be something she chooses.” Gauteng’s Social Development spokesperson, Motsamai Motlhaolwa, also offered a path forward, advising Nthabiseng to approach social workers in Germiston to start the process of rehabilitation. “There are steps to follow, and our department can help guide her through this,” Motlhaolwa said, offering hope that help is available if the family takes the first step.

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