About the Trust
Constituted in July 2001 with the express aim of uplifting the Manyeleti villages; the Buffelshoek Trust set about addressing an essential need of this poverty-stricken, rural community - education. The Trust chose to focus on education for it is a fundamental component of true empowerment.
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, adjacent to the Kruger National Park; this community has been identified as one of twenty-three rural and urban nodes by the South African government. These nodes represent the largest concentrations of poverty in the country. Approximately 800 000 individuals reside in the district. Unemployment in these communities is exceptionally high. Less than 15% of the population is employed. With approximately 85% unemployed, household income in the municipal area is far below the subsistence income levels for most of the households. Thus, higher than expected levels of poverty are evident in these communities. 36% of households depend on remittances from migrant labour as their only source of income. An estimated 60% of men aged between 16 and 65 work as migrant labourers outside the district. 3.9% of households report no source of income at all – the highest proportion of all of the nodal areas. The Municipal area has the smallest economy; a limited resource base; and contributes the least to the district and the provincial GDP. Growth of the agricultural and tourism sectors can make a meaningful contribution to the local economy. The area has great potential in creating economic growth and reducing unemployment. However, resources to initiate such growth is not easily accessible.
Health services are insufficient. The challenges in terms of the provision of medical services include the poor supply of medication and inadequate public transportation to these facilities. This is further hindered by the prevalence of gravel roads with a limited amount of tarred roads between the townships and main towns. The need for better access paths and roads to be established to improve accessibility to all strategic areas is evident and critical for development and the improved provision of services.
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS within the municipal area is likely to impact on economic development of the area in the future. Statistics show that the number of infected has increased from 6% in 1996 to 11% in 1999 and a further sharp increase in the year 2000 to 16%. Currently estimations indicate that there are more than 3 000 people taking anti-retroviral treatment in Bushbuckridge, with prevalence at approximately 40%. These numbers are a cause for concern. This rate of increase mitigates against future development particularly since the economically active population and education groups with the highest schooling grades are most affected.
Water supply is an additional problem, especially in these rural communities where more than 60% of the households do not have access to potable water. Coupled with poor availability of water are additional problems which include poor sanitation.
Serious problems are experienced in many of these schools including overcrowding and high failure rate attributable to poor infrastructure, minimal resources, a shortage of teachers and inferior facilities. 17.5% of the population is illiterate. There are no community libraries to serve the whole Bushbuckridge area. Youth depend on school sport facilities for entertainment, which, if present, are generally not well maintained.
Our initial investment in the community focused on school infrastructure. There were insufficient classrooms and resources for learners. Many classes were taught under trees and in extreme weather, lessons were cancelled. In addition, with the area being impoverished, many learners were under-nourished.
The Buffelshoek Trust has, together with our partners, spent in excess of R30 million on the following:
- Constructed 3 crèches;
- Refurbished 6 primary and 2 secondary schools including constructing ablutions and administration blocks;
- Provided electricity for these schools;
- Built approximately 44 classrooms;
- Furnished 3 libraries;
- Instituted agricultural projects adjacent to the schools;
- Provided sports fields at 5 schools;
- Assists in the feeding of approximately 3500 learners daily;
- Built 7 computer centres;
- Provided water to 2 villages;
- Spends significantly on training for teachers and learners annually; and
- Has completed construction of a 12 hour health care facility.
The Trust is now focusing on providing quality education through the construction of a semi-private school directed at Maths, Science and Technical subjects. In addition, we are planning to develop a facility that caters for the provision of tertiary education as well as entrepreneurial support at the DevCentre. We have also committed to providing the area with a 24 hour health care facility. Providing our adopted schools with additional sports facilities and the resources to develop coaching is also a priority. We believe that investment into extracurricular activities is critical for youth development. The project is aimed at providing recreational facilities which promote teamwork and play, and a means to channel the activities of the youth towards more constructive recreation.
The Trust continues to undertake and become involved in exciting projects focusing on education in a holistic sense; and working in conjunction with the community is both rewarding and worthwhile. We believe that the Buffelshoek Trust, by working with the community and establishing relationships with government and donors, facilitates the community’s plans for a better future by helping to turn dust to dreams…
