Liberty Team

BA & M.A. Sciences Economics [ULB – UGent]
Major Psychology [UCT]
BSocSc Hons Psychology [UCT]
PGDip Addiction Care (UCT)

With over nine years of sobriety, I am a passionate advocate for recovery and healing. My journey began in South Africa, where I sought help for multiple addictions, including an eating disorder, alcoholism, drug addiction, and intimacy disorder. This transformative experience ignited a deep commitment within me to support others who are still suffering.

At Liberty Home, I believe in the core values that have shaped my own recovery: the importance of home, the power of shared experience, individual care, and the vital process of reintegration into society. My mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for those on their path to recovery, ensuring that each individual feels seen, heard, and supported.

As the founder of Liberty Home, I consider this my greatest achievement in life. I am driven by a fervent desire to help others reclaim their lives, find their strength, and embrace the possibilities of a brighter future. Together, we can foster hope, healing, and the belief that recovery is not just possible but achievable.

Vincent is a recovering addict who has overcome substance abuse and left behind a life of misery and dysfunction, then leaped into a life of recovery and abundance. 

Now he looks to share his new outlook on life in the world and assist in reintegrating suffering addicts/ alcoholics into a new way of life. Being in recovery has given Vincent a second chance at life and he is not taking it for granted.

I am Mel.  I have a passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges and uncover their full potential. With my background in trauma & social sciences specializing in psychology, I bring a holistic view of what people need to thrive and help them uncover their best selves. I’m deeply passionate about making sure everyone feels valued, heard, and seen. My goal is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed and supported in a way that allows them to take the courageous steps toward healing and recovery. I understand how important it is to feel safe enough to share your story, creating a safe and compassionate space is at the heart of what we do.

Dr Imraan Tayob initially completed a commerce degree at the University of Cape Town. After a stint working in brand marketing in London, he returned to South Africa to study Medicine at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu Natal. On completion of his medical internship and community service at Victoria Hospital in Cape Town, and Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Durban respectively, he trained as a Specialist Psychiatrist between Groote Schuur and Valkenberg Hospitals.

Currently he is in a joint appointment as head of psychiatric department at a district hospital in Cape Town, and an academic post in the department of psychiatry at the University of Cape town. He sits on the university Registrar Training Committee, and is involved in teaching and training of trainee Psychiatrists. He is a committee member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP)Western Cape Subgroub as well as the SASOP Early Career Psychiatrists committee. He has a an interest in General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, in which he practices in private practice on a part time basis.

I am a general practitioner with over 20 years experience in addiction medicine. I provide evidence-based assessment and treatment focused on medical stabilisation and long-term outcomes. Committed to a holistic approach, my practice addresses the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of recovery. I work with diverse patients in South Africa and internationally to support sustained wellbeing and relapse prevention.

I’m a compassionate registered nurse with over 25 years of experience, tending to the needs of a diverse client population. Due to my empathetic nature, I usually foster meaningful relationships with clients and their families. I have great ethical values and beliefs, and will always propagate justice among peers, colleagues and clients

As a dedicated Professional Nurse with a decade of experience across various disciplines, including a specialization in mental health nursing, I am driven by a passion to support vulnerable individuals. My values are the foundation of my practice, with accountability being a core strength. I champion patient advocacy, believing that every new day presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth, enabling me to deliver exceptional care and strive for excellence in all aspects of my work.

Raquel is an Enrolled Nurse with over nine years of Primary Healthcare experience and a strong interest in mental health and psychology. Passionate about nursing, she brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to patient care and strives to make individuals feel safe, heard and supported. 

She is naturally warm and down-to-earth allowing her to connect easily with patients from all walks of life. She believes that care goes beyond treatment, it's about understanding the person behind the situation and building genuine trust.

Guided by a strong belief in second chances, she is dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journey with empathy, patience and quiet strength.

I am too a recovering addict, I dedicate my time to assisting clients in their recovery with whatever they need to aid them on the process, I have found a new way of life and want to afford the same opportunity to those coming into our facility.My aim is to help through my own story and share the lessons I have learned.

Born and bred in Cape Town. Some highlights in my career are supervising other social workers and students to grow into professionals that will make a difference. I have worked at substance abuse treatment centres, an independent school, an NGO focusing on social crime prevention and offender reintegration. Self-care, professional development and family work are important to me.

Last Machingura is a passionate mental health professional and faith-driven leader with over a decade of experience in psychiatric care and trauma recovery. As Director of S-Cape Organization, he supports survivors of human trafficking through holistic, faith-based care. His work blends compassion, clinical expertise, and advocacy to promote healing, dignity, and resilience in vulnerable communities.

Gideon is an experienced counsellor with a strong understanding of addiction dynamics. He is not afraid to ask difficult questions, tackles denial and defensiveness with skill, and navigates sensitive topics with empathy and directness. He appreciates a client’s vulnerability without compromising the confrontational conversations that need to be had. He is an inspiring companion for clients on their journey towards recovery.

I am an addictions counsellor and community activist with over 15 years of experience in the addictions and mental health field, grounded in lived experience and professional practice. I work with individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use and co-occurring mental disorders, providing counselling, designing prevention and recovery programmes, and strengthening community-based recovery support. I am deeply passionate about making recovery support available and accessible in underserved communities, and I specialise in peer-based recovery services that complement formal treatment or fill gaps where care is limited. I also coordinate national research projects with policymakers to support the integration of evidence-based practice into real-world systems of care. Alongside my community work, I lecture on Addiction Recovery in the Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care at UCT, contributing to the development of a skilled, responsive, and community-oriented addictions workforce.

I am passionate about supporting people as they navigate challenges and discover their own path forward. I provide a structured, supportive therapeutic space that fosters healing, grounded in compassion, responsibility, and ethical practice. My work is guided by clinical integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to promoting client wellbeing, dignity, and positive treatment outcomes.

I am a dedicated financial professional with a strong focus on maintaining the financial stability and growth of the Liberty Home Group. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for numbers, I am committed to enhancing our financial processes and ensuring the efficient management of our resources.

I am a detail-oriented and organised professional. By handling daily financial operations, processing invoices, and assisting with budget preparation, I bring accuracy and efficiency to every task.

I take pride in my ability to multitask, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively with both colleagues and residents. I approach every responsibility with professionalism, reliability and a proactive mindset.

Born in the Netherlands & Home in South Africa. With my background in Law and a passion for family work, I feel very honored to work at Liberty Home. I am here to listen with compassion and without judgement, to gather and assess how we as Liberty Home can assist those in need of help on their journey to recovery.

I have been walking my recovery journey for over 11 years. To be able to help others navigate theirs is a privilege for me. I believe that purpose, structure and routine is something that is a pivotal part of this process. My empathy and compassion for clients along with healthy boundaries make working at Liberty a fulfilling part of my life. It’s amazing to witness growth and determination. I have gained and learnt so much over the years,  and that if you want recovery, it is possible to achieve it.

I’m passionate about my work and very hardworking dedicated and driven individual and I’m not afraid to face challenges open to learn more to become the better version of myself .My passion is to do selfless service to help another individual who is struggling with addiction and with that I’m also being of service to myself .

I provide a calm, steady presence at Liberty Home. My role is to listen deeply and maintain a consistent, non-judgmental space where healing can unfold. With a focus on client-centered support, I walk alongside each journey, dedicated to fostering resilience and holding a safe environment for recovery.

After years of substance abuse, I found recovery with the help of the 12 step program and the fellowship.  Through this process, my life has changed tremendously, and I am filled with joy and gratitude. 

I believe that selfless service, to others, is my way of showing gratitude. I hope to carry a message of recovery to others and to help them find what I have found.

Mikail is a devoted recovery assistant at Liberty Home who knows that no path is too lost to find hope again. Having faced addiction himself, Mikail now uses his story to remind others that real change is possible. With compassion and understanding, he walks alongside each person on their journey, helping them rebuild their lives one step at a time.

Romeo is our resident facilities manager. He fixes anything, makes beds, cleans, carries the guest’s bags, managers contractor and ensures our beloved Weltervreden Manor house built in 1765 is in top shape – always with a ready smile and willingness to help in any way he can. He has a lovely disposition that fits in perfectly with the energy we have in the house, and we are lucky to have him as part of the team.

I am an experienced handyman at Liberty Home, focused on keeping everything in top shape. From repairs to maintenance, I handle it all with care and attention. My goal is to ensure our residents feel comfortable and their homes stay in great condition. Always ready to help when needed!

I am a dedicated and detail-oriented housekeeper with so many years of experience in maintaining clean, comfortable, and organized homes. With a passion for creating warm and welcoming spaces, I take pride in my work and strive to exceed expectations.

I’m a seasoned security guard with years of experience in keeping people and property safe. I’m here to prevent incidents and respond quickly to emergencies. Friendly, alert, and always ready to assist, my goal is to ensure everyone feels secure and welcome in their environment.

I am a passionate culinary artist with over 10 years of experience in the kitchen. I’m dedicated to creating innovative dishes that showcase the best of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I believe that food should be a journey, not just a meal.

My passion for cooking is driven by a desire to bring people together and create memorable experiences. I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries of culinary creativity and deliver dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.

I am a passionate chef who loves making tasty food. I enjoy trying new recipes and using fresh ingredients. I work well with others in the kitchen and always aim to make people happy with my cooking. Cooking is not just my job, it’s something I genuinely enjoy.

Gigi is a special part of our team.  She brings calm and peace to the residents and loves going for walks.