Over 30's Pre School And Community Development Project, South Africa Detail

Based from the Thanda Private Game Reserve, this Volunteer Programme provides the opportunity to experience the lives of rural people in the heart of the stunning Zulu Landscape. The District is Kwangwenya, it  covers 46  square Km and stretches from the Tshaneni  community in the north (Lake Jozini) to the south and the Hlaezeni community. East is the Muhlekazi Community and to the west the Mange Community. All are on the borders of the Thanda Private Game Reserve. 

Approximate numbers within these communities are 50,000 people, all follow traditional beliefs  and a feudal system. The local Inkosi (Zulu Chief) is incredibly supportive of our initiatives and collaborations. As a volunteer you will have a real opportunity to experience and become part of the Zulu customs. From a young age, Zulu Children are taught to respect their elders and to learn from the experience of others. 

Unemployment is at approx 75% with little or no work opportunities after secondary education. Drink and drug abuse are a huge problem especially within young men. Work is limited to monthly contract work which has no security and a minimum salary. As with the majority of KwaZulu Natal, HIV rates are between 70-80% with no sign of this reducing.

Although in essence this is a fertile land, the employment problems and lack of water means most people travel a minimum of 5 km a day for water from stand pipes. Although Zulu's are natural farmers, with limited resources, creating self sustainable cultivation is difficult.  Through working with community members we have an enormous opportunity to help create models of small farms that can then be replicated, both a challenging and rewarding experience. 

The Thanda Private Game Reserve lies in a sub-tropical, semi-arid region. The climate is generally warm to hot with an annual rainfall of 600mm, 70 % of this falls between September to March, peaking in February with the least rainfall in July. The mean annual temperature is 20°C, Summer is hot and Winter is generally warm, although winter nights can get quite cold.