Tucked away in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal lies Masinenge, an Informal Settlement that is home to hundreds of residents who call the humble yet vibrant community their own.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Masinenge is a testament to the resilience and strength of its people.

Join us…

as we delve into the daily life of an informal settlement, exploring the struggles and triumphs of its residents.

A new day dawns…

as the sun creeps over the horizon to light up Masinenge's narrow streets, lined with makeshift homes constructed from corrugated iron, wood, and plastic. Residents wake up to the sound of birds chirping as they prepare for yet another day, the aroma of cooking oil and paraffin wafting through the air. Access to basic amenities like running water in their homes and electricity are non - existent.

Thozama, a mother of Anele, wakes up every morning in her small, cramped shack. Her heart heavy with the responsibility of another day. She starts by fetching water from the nearby communal tap, balancing the heavy bucket of water on her head, to prepare her young ten-year-old for school, which lies 10 kilometres away. As a single mother of six, she has faced countless challenges through the years in the overcrowded settlement, which has limited access to basic amenities like sanitation and healthcare.

She fears for all her children’s safety in the midst of high levels of unemployment and poverty. Despite the difficulties, Thozama’s love for her children and grandchildren has driven her forward through the years. Amidst the chaos, a sense of community prevails. As the day unfolds, the settlement comes to life, bustling with activity – vendors selling fresh produce, hawkers offering second-hand goods, and taxis ferrying people to work. Colourful shack art adorns the walls of the makeshift houses, while music and laughter fill the air.

Neighbours greet each other with warm smiles and offers of assistance. Despite their hardships, the community comes together to support one another.

Thozama’s resilience and courage has opened a door of opportunity for her to work in the vital soup kitchen, set up by Abounding Hope in the community for those that suffer from HIV, TB and diabetes, who desperately need a meal, with which to take their medication.

After seeing Anele off to school…

Thozama, joins Melinda, fondly known as Gogo, in the soup kitchen. Gogo who is also a grandmother, has been Thozama’s friend for many years. Their selfless dedication to make a difference in their lives and those living around them opened this door of opportunity for them almost 6 years ago. Opening the cupboards she removes the vegetables, rice and other staples and with love and care the two begin preparing the food for the day. Since its inception, the soup kitchen has provided a nutritious meal every working day for those struggling with chronic health problems such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diabetes.

Having herself recovered from TB, Thozama is instrumental in her daily commitment to see others receive that vital daily meal that not only sustains their bodies but also lifts their spirits. She knows firsthand that a daily meal from the soup kitchen can be the difference between health and hospitalisation in that the right nutrients will help maintain their strength, support their medication regimen and prevent opportunistic infections.

As the day draws to a close…

often being part of the daily stories of the people she serves, she reflects on the sad reality of informal settlement life and wonders if her kind words of encouragement and hope, together with the daily meal, will bring change to their lives, the way it did to hers.

She then hears the children returning from school, chattering away. Her heart lifts with love and joy as she embraces Anele to hear how his day has been.

Before she gets ready to leave, Thozama offers her assistance to Henry the gardener, in tending the small vegetable seedlings in the freshly weeded beds, that get used in the meals prepared in the soup kitchen.

Thozama’s story is one of selfless perseverance. A single mother’s dedication to her children, despite no permanent employment. She chose to make a difference and stepped up to volunteer her time, to help an organisation make an impact in her community.

This is just one story of many…

in Masinenge, where the hope and resilience are palpable. Residents like Rasta, a well initiated entrepreneur, are determined to create a better future. He runs a small business, selling handmade crafts to passersby.

There is the tale of Nokuthula, a woman filled with genuine compassion and concern, who trained as a social worker, yet faced no job opportunities on the South Coast. She sought to help those less fortunate and came across the day care facility in Masinenge which had no qualified teacher. She volunteered her services freely, day after day, until together with Abounding Hope, she registered the day care facility as a creche.

You will find these amazing friendly people filled with a joy, that is contagious and makes you marvel at how they manage it, amidst the pain and suffering all around them.

Abounding Hope Community Development…

supports and sometimes hosts events like cultural celebrations, women's days, and parental training for the creche parents. Our vision is to assist in bringing people together, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. The settlement's youth are actively involved in Freedom Gate Church’s youth and mentorship programs, which open a path to build relationships within each child’s family individually.

Masinenge Informal Settlement is more than just a place to live – it embodies the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity towards others). The seed planted by the hard work and dedication of our organization over a decade ago is continually bringing more and more fruit as we see people turn from their apathy, drug & alcohol abuse and prostitution, and move ever closer towards our vision: A flourishing community, filled with dignity and hope. It is therefore essential to acknowledge the strength and beauty of this community, kwaMasinenge, and its residents and continue to support the initiatives that uplift and empower them.