Cobern Borcherds is an inspirational 52-year-old who participates in the MES Work Readiness programme and works as a team administrator. He lives in a second-phase sheltered accommodation with other men, finding the environment positive and uplifting. Cobern’s faith has profoundly impacted his life’s journey. He credits knowing God for his care through tough times and recommends “The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning, a book highlighting Jesus’s compassion for the imperfect.
Coming from a low-income background in Woodstock, where he lived on the same property with six other families and a single water source. Cobern admired his hard-working mother, whose dedication he respected. Despite a modest upbringing and having once secured a well-paying job in the tourism industry, his life took a turn when he became embroiled in drug addiction, spending exorbitantly on heroin and crystal meth. He lost his job and fell into a deep depression, coupled with periods of living on the streets.
His time on the streets in Bellville was marked by deep suffering and a struggle with addiction, often living in unhealthy conditions and engaging in destructive relationships. Cobern and his partner shared a co-dependent relationship marred by substance abuse. His partner fell pregnant, and as they were unable to care for their new son, foster care was the only option. Recognizing the toxicity of their relationship and its impact on their recovery, they made the difficult decision to separate and focus on their individual healing journeys amicably.
Cobern’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Despite battling addiction, homelessness, and personal downturns, his faith and the support of social programs have been pivotal in his recovery. His experience underscores the importance of hope, individual determination, and the role of community support in overcoming life’s challenges.
Cobern, having faced numerous turning points in his life, recalls the significant moment when he turned to prayer upon learning of his partner’s pregnancy. His journey of calling upon God for support spans over 30 years, marked by a deep desire to be an active father to his child, signalling a turning point when he and the mother of his child chose to separate and seek recovery independently despite facing challenges.
Since 2021, Cobern has participated in the MES programme, starting at the Bellville Safe Space and Centre of Hope. He credits the programme and God for his transformation, highlighting how it has allowed him to rediscover his potential, reconnect with his roles within the community, and recover from relapse through continuous work on underlying issues. Cobern has embraced his work, enjoyed personal growth, and furthered his agricultural knowledge through a course in 2023, leading to significant life improvements, including mending his relationship with his eldest daughter and setting goals for financial stability and personal development.
Cobern’s aspirations include writing a book to share his journey, mentoring others, developing a supportive network, and establishing a small holding to aid recovery in others through agriculture. His guiding principles focus on making good choices, acknowledging his faith, understanding his vulnerabilities, and managing emotions to maintain mental health. Living and working in Bellville, the same area where his struggles once predominated, Cobern now serves as an inspiration to others, including past acquaintances from his days of substance use. He remains committed to his recovery journey, aiming to demonstrate love and resilience while acknowledging ongoing struggles.
Looking ahead at what is next for Cobern, there’s optimism for continuous growth and the impact of his journey on others. Cobern’s journey is a testimony that highlights the transformative power of support, faith, and purpose in overcoming adversity.
