Embracing the Ubuntu Spirit Amid Matatiele’s Challenges

Embracing the Ubuntu Spirit Amid Matatiele’s Challenges

On September 4th, 2023, I had the privilege of embarking on a journey to the enchanting landscape of Matatiele, a municipality nestled in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. The trip coincided with my birthday, setting the stage for a memorable exploration of Matatiele’s cultural richness, environmental challenges and the embodiment of Ubuntu philosophy in its community. My supervisor and (South African Research Chairs Initiative) SARChI Chair, Professor Betty Mubangizi, led the eye-opening adventure that placed me on a sharp learning curve in Sustainable Rural Livelihoods.

Arrival and Initial Impression

Upon arrival, I settled into the tranquil RestHaven, a beautiful lodge I would call home during my stay. The following morning, we delved into the heart of the purpose of our visit, attending the uMzimvubu Catchment Partnership (UCP) meeting – a quarterly event typically attended by a consortium of organisations from the public, private and civic sectors as well as research institutions. 

In the picturesque rural setting, we wholeheartedly immersed ourselves in the intricate tapestry of the region. During this enriching experience, I had the privilege of gaining profound insights into the unique context of Matatiele, which serves as a microcosm of rural South Africa.

At the heart of our visit was a dedicated focus on the pressing issue of invasive alien plants, and our discussions centred around collective efforts to comprehensively map and clear these disruptive plants while promoting healthy landscapes and sustainable livelihoods.

One pivotal topic of conversation revolved around creating a knowledge hub, envisioned as a dynamic space encompassing a living laboratory and a repository of pertinent research in the catchment. This initiative is poised to seamlessly identify priority interventions aimed at improving the lives of communities and fostering their resilience.

It is worth noting that my supervisor, Professor Mubangizi, is at the forefront of these endeavours, working with the Environment and Rural Solutions (ERS) and Conservation South Africa (CSA), among others, to establish a living laboratory and knowledge hub as one of the cornerstones of the uMzimvubu Catchment Partnership. This undertaking reflects the Chair’s unwavering commitment to community engagement. It serves as a testament to its dedication to advancing the core ideals of the University in fostering meaningful community partnerships.

The collaboration between UKZN and UCP is paramount as it ensures the rigorous adherence to ethical principles in our research pursuits while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of our diverse stakeholders. Through the Chair’s engagement with various community segments, including NGOs and the youth, Professor Mubangizi strives to ignite innovation and position the University of KwaZulu-Natal as a gateway to pioneering research and transformative community engagement.

The meeting with members of the uMzimvubu Catchment partnerships was filled with knowledge-sharing and camaraderie among colleagues from the ERS and beyond. It provided a valuable opportunity for networking and deepening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities that the community faces.

A Visit to Klein Jonas

The following day, we had an enlightening outdoor adventure. With immense excitement, my supervisor and I embarked on a journey to Klein Jonas – a remote administrative area in the Matatiele Local Municipality. Our visit to Mapfontein Junior Secondary School was met with a warm and gracious reception by the school’s principal. While discussing the challenges related to a shortage of teaching staff in the junior schools, the principal shared his profound wish for the school to transform into a high school. He considered this transformation essential because the nearest high school is too distant for most students to reach on foot.

An Encounter with a Local Trader

Exploring the village of Klein Jonas took on a new dimension when we crossed paths with a friendly local street vendor. This local trader, who kindly joined us as our guest, infused our visit with an additional layer of hospitality and charm. She eagerly led us through the close-knit community, amusing us with captivating stories and sharing invaluable insights.

We couldn’t help but wonder why she had to depart from her sales spot so early. She explained that it was to make space for another seller to occupy the site for the rest of the day. This co-operative, platoon-style approach to trading and accommodating one another underscored the community’s unwavering commitment to collective well-being.

Our visit also included a remarkable experience as we observed the skilful practice of sheep shearing. An elderly gentleman graciously offered us seats and even directed us to an optimal vantage point to witness the process. The genuine gratitude expressed by the residents upon our departure was deeply touching.

Shearing activities occur annually at a local sheep shearing shed, and the resulting shorn wool is meticulously packed into large bales, ready for collection by a company more than 400km away. The funds derived from sheep shearing represent a vital community support lifeline. While it’s an annual event, its significance cannot be overstated, as it provides much-needed income to address the modest household needs of the residents.

During our visit, we contemplated how the village could further benefit from the value addition of the wool. This approach can potentially create employment opportunities for the local population, thus contributing to the community’s overall well-being.

Public Services in the Community

Our observations unveiled both challenges and opportunities confronting the community. First, there are issues with access to water, a shortage of teachers in the junior secondary school, a lack of job opportunities within the community, and the absence of a nearby high school. A conversation with a community member during our return to Matatiele underscored the hardships residents face.

For instance, there’s only one standpipe available to serve a significant number of households. Those unable to reach the standpipe must hire labour to fetch water, incurring a cost of R5 for a 20-litre container. Families far from the standpipe must rely on springs to meet their water needs.

On a positive note, the District Municipality has made some progress. Many households now have access to ventilated pit toilets, and the area benefits from a regular bus service offering morning and afternoon trips. An early childhood development centre is well-equipped with clean classrooms and a playground, while a community hall is a hub for learnerships.

While these developments offer hope for ambitious young minds in the community to break free from the evident poverty, there is still a pressing need for additional supportive infrastructure to serve the schools and learnerships adequately. This investment is crucial to allow these young people to pursue Higher Education, such as at UKZN.

Despite the rural backdrop and the formidable challenges confronting the community, the expedition to Matatiele vividly highlighted the enduring presence of Ubuntu – a philosophy rooted in humanity, interconnectedness, and the welfare of the collective. As individuals who value the essence of society, it becomes evident that fundamental necessities like access to water are indispensable for sustaining the lives and livelihoods of the community members. This commitment to addressing such issues remains a core focus of the (South African Research Chairs Initiative) SARChI Chair, with its dedicated attention to social inequality, poverty, social exclusion, and the rural community’s capacity to adapt to climate change.

This journey served as a poignant reminder of our shared duty to offer support and uplift those in need, irrespective of their circumstances. It broadened my horizons and reaffirmed the belief that our inherent interconnectedness as humans should serve as a wellspring of inspiration for acts of compassion and mutual support.

• Dr Oluwaseun Ojogiwa is a postdoctoral fellow under the SARChI Chair in Sustainable Rural Livelihoods at UKZN.

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.