Smoking dagga in high school and failing Grade 12 four times, life seemed to lack clarity and meaning for Katlehong resident Thoko Radebe.<\/p>\n
However, determined to change her life for the better, Radebe got herself involved in community development programmes.<\/p>
After seeking employment without success, she reverted back to drugs.<\/p>\n
Then, soon after that, a friend introduced her to volunteer work at the Katlehong Police Station.<\/p>
“I was in a bad space but, with perseverance, I left the drugs, finally completed Grade 12 and, when I couldn’t find a job, I started volunteering,” said Radebe.<\/p>\n
She started out as a member of the Katlehong Cluster Youth Crime Prevention Desk and now steers it as the chairman.<\/p>\n
Initiated 15 years ago, the Youth Crime Prevention Desks are a joint initiative between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Community Safety.<\/p>\n
The desks are based in various police stations and mobilise young people to get involved in crime prevention.<\/p>\n
Radebe’s passion for fighting crime and helping the youth to stay clear of drugs was inspired by the struggles in her own life.<\/p>\n
“I wanted to help to change the community, but I realised that I couldn’t do that if I couldn’t first change my life,” she said.<\/p>\n
“In short, I wanted to be the change I want to see in my community.”<\/p>\n
Having experienced drug abuse, Radebe works tirelessly to help young people facing the same problem.<\/p>\n
“I can’t describe the daily fulfilment and joy I get from helping others; walking on the streets, being greeted and appreciated by those I’ve helped and also knowing I’ve made a difference in their lives is very rewarding,” she added.<\/p>\n
She said there are many benefits to be gained from volunteering.<\/p>\n
“You acquire skills for which you normally would have had to go to school, like project management; you learn a lot and grow as a person, and I can assure you that it’s really not a waste of time,” she explained.<\/p>\n
Dr Garth Japhet, CEO of Heartlines, fully agrees with Radebe.<\/p>\n
Heartlines is an award-winning NGO that uses media campaigns to spark conversations, with the ultimate aim of changing lives.<\/p>\n
“Through generosity and giving, we actually end up gaining much more than what we have given away,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We share and celebrate our common humanity through being there and helping others in times of need.”<\/p>\n