LOYISO
recovery coach
What inspired you to work in this field?
What inspired me to work in the field of addiction is because I have seen firsthand how addiction affects individuals, families and communities, especially from the kind of environment that I come from. Where I have lost close friends and family members because of addiction. I also believe that recovery is possible when people are met with compassion, accountability and support. I understand that addiction is about more than substance use—it often involves pain, trauma, and a loss of hope. My journey has given me empathy and a genuine desire to walk alongside others as they heal. I chose this profession because I want to use my experiences, together with professional training, to help people believe that recovery is possible and that they can build meaningful, fulfilling lives."
What motivated you to join the team?
When a colleague told me about Pace, I decided to do some research. The more I learned about the organisation, the more I felt it was the right fit for me. I was looking for a change of environment, but more importantly, I was looking for a place where I could continue to grow—both professionally and personally.Working in the addiction recovery field is about more than helping clients; it also shapes and develops us as individuals. I believe that the more we grow ourselves, the more effectively we can support the people we serve.I also value a workplace culture built on unity, support, accountability, and mutual respect. I want to be part of a team where people encourage one another, where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated, and valued for the contribution they make.From everything I have learned about Pace, I believe it embodies those values. I genuinely feel that it is an environment where I can continue developing my skills, contribute meaningfully to the team, and grow alongside dedicated professionals. That's why I believe Pace is the right place for me.
What unique qualities or experience do you bring to your role?
I believe one of my greatest strengths is my genuine passion for helping people recover and rebuild their lives. I approach every client with empathy, respect, and without judgement, while also maintaining healthy professional boundaries and holding them accountable for their recovery. Another quality I bring is resilience and patience. Recovery is rarely a straight path, and I understand that lasting change takes time. I remain consistent in encouraging clients, celebrating their progress, and helping them stay focused even when they face setbacks.
What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?
What I find most rewarding about the work that I do is to see clients recreating and enhancing themselves. I personally do not believe in self discovery, I always encourage clients to recreate themselves and not to self discover because that means you actually go back to being the same person that led you to being an addict and using again. So that is what has been so great with my job, recreating and also reconnection and building broken relationships because of their addiction.
Memorable success story?
What do you find challenging working in this field?
One of the most challenging aspects of working in the addiction recovery field is accepting that you cannot want recovery more than the client does. It can be difficult to see someone with so much potential continue to struggle or relapse despite the support and resources available to them. Over time, I've learned that my role is to guide, encourage, and equip clients—not to make decisions for them.
What values or principles guide your approach to supporting the clients?
The values that guide my approach are compassion, respect, integrity, accountability, and hope. I believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their past or the mistakes they have made. My role is to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and supported.
What is your personal mission statement?
To provide compassionate, ethical support that empowers clients to overcome addiction, rediscover their strengths and build meaningful, purpose driven lives in recovery.
😅I'm an introvert, so I really love my own space and time. I enjoy sports, specifically rugby and football, and I love hitting the gym. As much as I love my alone time, I enjoy spending time with people who have mutual interests, watching football and rugby together and having some drinks and braai and connecting with mature people. So thats me🙂