In the township of Gugulethu, where young people face poverty, gang violence, and addiction on a daily basis, the Realistic Rebuilding & Life Skills Training Centre has been providing a safe haven and new opportunities for over 20 years. Led by founder Solomon and his dedicated team, the organization helps young people break free from the cycle of crime and build new lives.

Addiction care & reintegration

After-school care

Vocational training

Safe Housing

Het Life skills Centre

• Realistic works towards sustainable change through:

• Outpatient Addiction Program: Provides support to individuals struggling with addiction while maintaining their daily responsibilities. 70% remain clean after one year.

• Realistic Adult Diversion: Gives young people and first-time offenders a second chance by engaging them in constructive programs.

• Early Intervention Program: Focuses on early intervention in alcohol and drug use to prevent further problems and has room for 120 young adults.

• After Care Program: Supports individuals after completing addiction treatment to prevent relapse.

• Social Crime Program: Serves as a prevention tool for 120 children annually at risk of coming into conflict with the law, and contributes to social protection.

• Realistic Halfway House: Since 2016, this program, in partnership with the South African Department of Correctional Services, has provided a safe environment for ex-offenders to reintegrate into society.

With these programs we offer people the opportunity to break out of the vicious circle of poverty, addiction and violence.

The Child & Youthcare Centre

The Realistic Child & Youth Care Centre cares for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences. We offer them:

• Safe housing: A stable and loving environment where children can feel at home.
• Education and Development: Access to education and programs that promote their personal growth.
• Emotional support: Professional guidance to process trauma and build self-confidence.
• Health care: Access to medical care and healthy food.

Our goal is to help these children recover and give them the skills they need to live independent and successful lives.

There is room here for 45 children from 2 to 17 years old, with 8 to 10 children actively returning to society each year.

What your donation makes possible

€10: Provides one day of training for one participant.

€25: Provides counseling sessions for one week.

€50: Supports the After Care Program for one month.



€100: Helps maintain the Halfway House for ex-offenders.

About the founder

Solomon Madikane is a South African social leader and founder of the non-profit organization REALISTIC. Since 2004, he has been committed to the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders and young people at risk of crime and addiction.

Born in 1974 and a graduate of Pinelands High School, Madikane worked for nine years with the South African Service of Corrections and Supervision. While working in prison, he noticed that many ex-offenders relapsed into criminal behavior due to the lack of support upon reintegration into society.

To bridge this gap, he founded REALISTIC in Gugulethu, Cape Town, in 2004. The organization offers programs aimed at preventing recidivism, combating substance abuse, and promoting social reintegration.

Madikane also heads the Realistic Child and Youth Care Centre, which has been providing shelter and care to vulnerable children and young people since 2004. The center aims to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Madikane is known for his dedication to community development and his belief in second chances. He leads a spiritual lifestyle and is passionate about sharing his life story to inspire others.

His work has led to recognition and collaboration with various organizations and government agencies.

More about Realistic

Are you interested in reading more about Realistic Youth & Lifeskills Centre?

Click the button to visit one of their websites! You'll find much more information about what they do and how they help thousands of people every year.

Together we can make a difference

With your help, we can continue working towards a better future for the children of Gugulethu. Please consider donating today and help us continue this important mission.