Social Projects stir development

Members of the Yende community celebrate the handover of social projects from Kangra during a ceremony in December 2023

From a time of reliance on distant springs and rivers, change has dawned for 30 Donkerhoek families who now enjoy the convenience of water taps right in their yards. "Having taps has changed our lives for the better because we used to walk long distances to fetch water,” says Ntombeyningi Yende. Kangra intends to continue expanding the water infrastructure initiative, beyond the 30 households who benefited under the Yende Farmers Trust. The project is expected to cover seven other farming communities by the time it is finalised.

"The community is happy that Kangra has fulfilled its commitment," says Melusi Yende, Chairman of the Yende Farmer’s Trust. The community also received a refurbished community Hall and newly built homes for two families who were relocated. This collaborative approach, involving Kangra, the Yende Trust Committee, and the Mkhondo Municipality, exemplifies the power of partnership in driving sustainable change.

Now, in its second phase, the water project extends its reach to approximately 35 households in the Thuthukani Communal Property Association. "We hope to complete it before the end of the year,” says Kangra’s stakeholder relations manager Mpfuneni Mulaudzi.

Kangra's social upliftment drive extends beyond water infrastructure projects, with efforts to upgrade mud houses to brick structures for identified families. About 98% of the refurbishments had been completed for the first five families by the beginning of 2024. “With each project milestone reached, Kangra reaffirms its dedication to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Mulaudzi says.