From Darkness to Light: My Journey at Muldersdrift Wellness Centre

By Nabeel Surtee

Four months ago, I walked through the gates of Muldersdrift Wellness Centre carrying the weight of addiction, shame, and hopelessness. I was broken—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I didn’t know what healing looked like, and I certainly didn’t believe it was possible for someone like me.

But what I found here was more than just treatment. I found a sanctuary.

The journey began with a medically supervised detox, a crucial first step that helped me safely transition away from substances. It wasn’t easy, but the care and professionalism of the medical team gave me the strength to push through. From there, the real transformation began.

The programme at Muldersdrift is unlike anything I’ve experienced. It’s not just about therapy—it’s about healing the whole person. The 12-Step NA model gave me structure and accountability, while the integration of Islamic principles reconnected me with my faith in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Spirituality wasn’t just an add-on; it was the foundation of everything. Through daily reflections, prayer, and compassionate guidance, I began to rediscover my purpose and rebuild my relationship with Allah.

The peaceful surroundings—the Crocodile River, the Swartkop Mountains, the quiet moments in nature—became part of my healing. I learned to breathe again. To be still. To listen.

Therapeutic sessions helped me unpack years of trauma and self-destruction, while wellness activities like yoga, meditation, and group outings reminded me of the joy and balance I had lost. The staff didn’t just treat me—they believed in me. They saw the person I could become, even when I couldn’t.

Today, I walk with a renewed sense of self. I’ve learned to forgive, to let go, and to live with intention. Muldersdrift Wellness Centre didn’t just help me recover—it helped me transform.

To anyone struggling, wondering if change is possible: it is. I’m living proof.