Meet McAllistair Smith

Home
News & Stories

McAllistair was born in 1994. He grew up in Roodewal with his mother and stepfather. “We didn’t have much, but they tried their best to raise us. My mom had diabetes and other health problems. She was in and out of hospital.  Then one day she just didn’t come home. She was only 30 years old, and at that stage I was fifteen or sixteen. After my mom’s death, our family disintegrated. My mom was the one who kept us together. After her death my father became tired of us coming in late at night and using drugs. I went to live with my girlfriend.” From here on his life was spiralling downward.

“I was a gangster and spent time in prison. I had a drug-buddy who took me under his wing when I lost everything. My bond with my brother and sister had broken down as well as my bond with my girlfriend. My drug-buddy gave me a place to sleep. It was on a hard pool-board in the yard, but at least it gave me a roof over my head. Eventually his mother got tired of me as I didn’t work and made no contribution. I had to make a plan to get my life in order.

“I went to DSD (Dept of Social Development) where I spoke to Mrs De Bruyn. She tried to get me to go to Nuwe Begin Skuiling, but because of my gang affiliation, I would not be safe there. Eventually she suggested Moria House. This was the last option.

“Moria House was the place where I saw light and hope for the first time.”

McAllistair joined the Behaviour Modification Program of Change Makers in May 2018. His transformation was remarkable. From being a tough and hardened gangster who was addicted to drugs, he became a gentle young man who encouraged others. After successfully completing the program end of 2018 he made positive changes to his life. He furthered his schooling at the Worcester Community Centre where he was elected as head student. He also joined the Albert Rugby Football Club where he received a trophy for the most disciplined player of the club.

By 2019 McAllistair received an honorary jacket from the Change Makers, rewarding him for his positive impact on friends, family, and the community. We’ve lost count of how many men came through the doors of Moria House due to McAllistair’s example. In 2020 McAllistair was named the Change Maker of the Year.

McAllistair married Britta in March 2020 and together they started a ministry called Roots and Wings, focusing on young boys who drop out of school. McAllistair also enrolled for an online Bible School, desiring to deepen his knowledge of God.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *