Umthombo offers a two-week detox programme in a serene game reserve, providing a peaceful environment away from the streets.

This includes a seven-day medical detox followed by a natural detox process, helping women take the first steps toward overcoming substance dependency. This unique setting offers them the opportunity to reflect and reset, setting the stage for their journey to recovery.

Umthombo offers a pathway to recovery
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After completing detox, women are invited to join Umthombo’s Independent Living Programme, which provides six months of supported accommodation. During this time, women receive vital life skills training to help them live independently and safely care for their children. The programme includes support for securing identification documents, education, and preparation for employment. 

“Umthombo helped me a lot. Now, my life has changed. I no longer use drugs, and I live in a proper place. I’ve been provided with food, and they have paid for my room. They also helped me get an identity document, and I am on a waiting list to be enrolled in the Work Readiness Programme.” A participant in the Umthombo Independent Living Programme

Through these efforts, Umthombo enables young women to break free from exploitation and dependency, reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives and create a stable future for themselves and their children.

Amos Trust is supporting Umthombo’s work with young women living on the streets of Durban. This includes a detox programme in a peaceful environment to help women overcome substance dependency and their Independent Living Programme, which provides accommodation, life skills training, and support to help them rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Photography: Simphiwe Mdunge and Alison Sloane