The KwaZulu-Natal government will, on Friday 18 March 2011, bring hope to the community of Hlabisa which has had its share of poverty, disease and underdevelopment. A largely female and young population of Hlabisa will now have a primary school, a clinic and be economically connected with the economic hub through the opening of a provincial road, P451.
The majority (58%) of Hlabisa community are less than 20 years of age which is under the ‘economically active group’. The ‘economically active group’ between the ages of 20–50 years, accounts for only 35% of the population. 44% of the population has never been to school at all, 16% having attended up to primary level, 12% have completed matriculation and only 3% have enrolled for post matric studies.
According to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), unemployment rate in Hlabisa has increased from 62.1% in 1996 to 72.9%% in 1996. Women are mostly unemployed (65, 3%) due to illiteracy. The majority of school children (94%) need to walk great distances to school.50% walk more than 30km.
It is also one of the communities with a high HIV prevalence. It is highest in the age group of 25-29 years, followed by the age category of 30-34 which accounts for 30.8% of people who are HIV positive.
Government will officially open three key projects that will address key challenges of the community; especially high HIV/TB prevalence; improve road infrastructure and provide connection with economic hubs of the province and improve primary school enrolment especially among children.
Journalists and reporters are invited to attend the event which will take place as follows:
Date:18 March 2011 (Friday)
Time: 10h00 (Opening of projects to start at 08h00)
Venue: Dengane Sports grounds, Nhlwathi, Hlabisa
Transport is available for those who want to attend and will depart from the Durban Playhouse at 06h00 on Friday.
Issued jointly by:
Department of Transport, Community Safety & Liaison
Nana Mkhonza
Cell: 082 806 0846
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 079 699 5755
Department Of Education
Sihle Mlotshwa
Cell: 072 207 2018
Department Of Health
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
Three MECs, one community, and many challenges – Government bringing hope to community devastated by poverty and underdevelopment
Province
