THE NEED: THE COMMUNITY OF MPUMUZA/SWEETWATERS

Mpumuza is an impoverished area that is home to between 50 000 and 60 000 people. Youth and children make up the majority of these people. It is uncommon to pass through Sweetwaters/Mpumuza without seeing children and youth walking on the dirt and tar roads. The Sweetwaters community is a vibrant community, rich in culture. The people are welcoming and hospitable, the children are full of life, laughter and fun. The area is set in beautiful rolling hills and muddy rivers, with lush vegetation during the summer months.
Mpumuza however, is characterised by its poor housing and limited supply of essential services. Poverty is rife, and  the majority of the community lack the skills or the relatively small setup capital to produce food of their own. The high level of unemployment adds to the problem, and many of the families rely on government grants to survive.

A huge proportion of youth and children, and a much smaller percentage of working adults, leads to one major problem. A disproportionate number of dependents to working class. The situation is further exacerbated by the high unemployment levels, and therefore leads to a very low income per household.