Social workers are the steady anchor in substance use disorder recovery, working at the intersection of emotional healing, behavioural change, and social reintegration. Beyond counselling, they help individuals restore self-worth and access the practical support needed to sustain long-term recovery.
At SANCA Wedge Gardens, this mission has been bolstered by the appointment of three new social workers – Antonette Charllot Chuma, Vutlhari Remission Hlungwani, and Andries Mokhawane. All three joined the therapy team in December and were appointed permanently in April.
The trio shares a unified view of their profession, noting that social workers provide the holistic, person-centred care essential for navigating the emotional and environmental challenges of addiction. They emphasise that by linking patients to resources and rebuilding family ties, they create a vital safety net against relapse.
Antonette Charllot Chuma
Known as Antony, she is originally from Giyani and now lives in Kew. A dedicated mother of two, she values dignity and respect above all else. Before Wedge Gardens, Antony served as an employee wellness practitioner for the Department of Treasury and gained specialist addiction experience at SANCA Pretoria’s Castle Carey facility.
Driven by the impact of addiction on youth, she finds peace in helping people reclaim their lives.
“Social workers play an important role in recovery; we help develop healthy coping skills and aftercare plans, which are key to preventing relapse and supporting long-term sobriety,” she says.
Vutlhari Remission Hlungwani
Fondly known as Bombisa, he is from Protea Glen in Soweto and is a father to a young son. His career began at the Central Gauteng Mental Health Organisation before he moved into the substance use field at SANCA Pretoria.
His interest in recovery is deeply personal, rooted in witnessing the struggles of loved ones while growing up. Bombisa values the collaborative atmosphere at Wedge Gardens, noting the freedom to participate in diverse projects.
“Social workers are integral to the recovery process, providing holistic, person-centred support; helping individuals not just manage a health condition and to fight addiction, but rebuild their lives,” he explains.
Andries Mokhawane
Originally from Motetema village in Groblersdal, Andries is a husband and father to a four-year-old son with a passion for nature and animals. His extensive background since 2016 includes roles at SANCA Soshanguve, Life Healthcare Eugene Marais, and Second Chance Recovery Centre.
His motivation traces back to 2013, when, while working in merchandising, he saw colleagues lose their jobs due to substance abuse without any support system in place. This professional observation, combined with personal family experiences, led him to specialise in addiction recovery. Currently managing over 30 reintegration cases, he finds his role at Wedge Gardens deeply fulfilling.
“We work within multidisciplinary teams to create, monitor, and adapt treatment plans, while helping families and individuals navigate the practical and emotional challenges of recovery,” says Andries.
