About IngwavumaIngwavuma is situated high in the Lebombo mountains in the northernmost district of Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa. With its remote location over 4.5 hours north from Durban, many people in the province have not heard of Ingwavuma and its’ struggles. There is a pot-holed tar road linking Ingwavuma to the nearest town of Jozini, but all others are dirt roads and many are only accessible by 4x4 or by foot. Most people live in self-made huts of sticks and stones, or basic houses made from cement and stone. It is a poverty stricken area, but one of untouched beauty where the rural lifestyle is still embraced and the scenery is unspoilt by modern development.
|
Dirt Roads: isolated but beautiful Ingwavuma.
|
BASIC SERVICES
Ingwavuma is in the Umkhanyakude district which is one of the two most deprived districts in South Africa. Less than 5% of people have access to piped water, and less than 4% have access to electricity. People use bottled gas or fire for cooking, and candles for light at night. Water is collected in 20 or 25 litre bottles from rivers, and where possible, communal taps. Water bottles are carried on the head – this is often the responsibility of the children. |
Self-made huts nestled in lush vegetation.
|
EDUCATION
Illiteracy rates are high in Ingwavuma. Many adults did not have the opportunity to go to school and some had to leave school at a young age to support their families. Schools are under-resourced, with too few classrooms, and a lack of supplies. Many of the teachers are unqualified and the standard of education in schools is low. Large classes (often 80 children in a class) result in high stress levels for teachers, and children not receiving the attention they require to learn. |
Children walking home from school.
|
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment is a major problem in Ingwavuma, with an unemployment rate estimated at 60%, but likely much higher. The main sources of income for people in this area include subsistence farming, migrant labour, and government social grants. 85% of people who are employed earn less than R1500 ($170) per month. Few people finish school, and even fewer have access to tertiary education. This results in a need for skilled workers in the community; a large portion of those who finish school do not find work due to a lack of skills and experience. |
Rural life: embroidery by local women
|
MOSVOLD HOSPITAL
Mosvold Hospital in Ingwavuma is a 246 bed district hospital serving a population of 110,000 people. Most of those served are Zulu, with a substantial number of Swazis too. The population is severely affected by HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis and malnutrition. The hospital sees 96,000 outpatients per year and admits 9,000, with an average stay of 6 days. There are six wards in the hospital; Male, Female, Paediatric, Maternity, Isolation and Tuberculosis. The HIV/AIDS department is mainly run by nurses and councellors. There are 3 mobile teams that cover 41 points in the surrounding community. Doctors and allied health professionals regularly visit the 10 outlying clinics and 2 mobile clinics, many of which require 4x4 access. |
Outpatients department of Mosvold Hospital
|
HIV AND AIDS
- HIV/Aids is the highest cause of death, and the average life expectancy is 40 years. - 53% of deaths were certified as caused by AIDS between 2003-2006 (actual number is likely more!) - High mortality in children 0-4 years. 30% of these deaths were attributed to HIV/AIDS in 2003-2006. - The highest death rate is for age 20-49 years. Over 50% of these deaths were attributed to HIV/AIDS. As a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there are many orphaned children who become the sole supporters of their family. There are many child-headed households, and children do not get the support and guidance they need as they grow up. This has a great impact on the psychological and emotional development of children in this community. |
|