The mission and purpose of Thandanani Drop Inn Centre is to support the vulnerable members of the community by facilitating their reintegration into the community and restoring their dignity. For the past 13 years, the organisation has been serving the community by providing essential services, including nutritional support, counselling, family reunion celebrations, referrals to rehabilitation centres, aftercare for children, support for recovering drug addicts, skills development, and employment opportunities.

With 35 staff members and 12 volunteers, the centre is able to provide help to 250 homeless people, 32 people with drug and substance abuse issues, and 130 children who need after-school care.

Among the organisation’s notable accomplishments to date is the establishment of a dedicated shelter in Mamelodi by a dynamic and passionate non-profit organisation. Secondly, it has facilitated successful rehabilitation journeys for individuals and provided them with employment opportunities. Thirdly, it has achieved successful family reunions, strengthening support networks within the community.

Challenges in the community include illiteracy, high incidences of drug use and associated crime, which impact safety, limited availability of recreational spaces, demoralised youth, and a shortage of committed community builders.

The organisation has established a partnership with various departments and faculties of the University of Pretoria (UP), including the Faculty of Theology and Religion and the departments of Radiology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Land Use and Transportation. These partnerships underscore our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic community development. Engaging with students on community projects has been largely positive, yet there is room for improvement in terms of some students’ commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities. Students can actively support our centre’s work by assisting with research and fostering meaningful connections by actively engaging with the beneficiaries we serve.

In addition to the University, we collaborate with a variety of community organisations to broaden our impact and address the community’s needs. Some key partners include Second Chance Recovery, Entokozweni, Vhathu Phanda, the Community Policing Forum, and churches.

Some of the upcoming events and initiatives that the UP should be aware of are:

1. The annual ‘Drugs Must Fall’ movement scheduled for 16 June 2024 (This event raises awareness about substance abuse and promotes drug-free communities.)
2. Clean-up campaigns organised regularly to improve the cleanliness and aesthetics of our community while fostering a sense of environmental responsibility