About Us

Etshenilengele is 19 kilometres north west of Estcourt in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. This area, situated in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains is home to the Amahulbi Tribe. Through land redistribution, the community has received ownership of the land. Inkosi Hadebe (the King of the Amahlubi’s) and his family are already working tirelessly in trying to develop the land and improve the standard of living of his people. Though possession of the land is a great stepping-stone, the lack of skills and funding is a major cause of concern.

The population of this area is around 56 families of approximately 470 people, 104 of which are under six. Etshenilengele Community is deprived of the simplest necessities. There are no public services or public transport; the nearest clinics are 15 kilometers away and children at age five will walk 10 kilometers a day and back to receive a pre-school education, an unbearable thought.

76% of its population is unemployed and those who are employed are on a minimal wage.

40% of the Kwa-Zulu Natal population is infected with HIV/AIDS, which affects rural communities such as ours with devastating consequences.

As a result of these persisting problems, alongside the lack of basic services, our rural community faces a sad reality of poverty, disease, under nourishment and lack of education. The needs in this area are overwhelming and thus our interest in implementing a sustainable scheme to develop and empower the community. As our government is faced with this situation in thousands of different rural areas in South Africa, it is up to us, the neighbours to try and make a difference.

After researching the area, we felt that we should start with the growing young generation. With the help and encouragement of family, friends and the community, we have worked together to instigate this Non Profit Organisation and have opened our doors to the much needed crèche. Once this is up and running sustainably, and with further funds, we will extend the project to incorporate a health care and community centre. With the generous help of our donors we have purchased a large piece of land with a suitable community hall right on the doorstep of Etshenilengele which has enabled us to start and extend our scheme with ease.