In the scenic though deeply rural area of Isandlwane in Bergville, resources and assistance are not easily available, say residents. Schools and homes often lack basic services like sanitation and running water, and in some cases, sinister traditional practices still have their place in the community.

When visiting Vuma High School on Sunday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka strongly condemned the practice of ukuthwala, where young women are kidnapped and forced into marriage against their will.

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He officially adopted the school, vowing to rally businesses and non-governmental organisations to provide support and resources.

“Our visit to Bergville is as deployed members of the Provincial Legislature under the programme that encourages us to adopt schools, hospitals and police stations so that we can ensure that service delivery is not hindered in these important institutions,” said Mr Hlomuka.

The MEC visited the school and also visited Emmaus Hospital, which is the main hospital servicing this deeply rural community.

During his visit, Mr Hlomuka interacted with the patients and motivated staff to continue the great work they are doing in providing important health care to communities. The MEC also committed himself to providing lightning conductors to the hospital, as Bergville is prone to severe thunderstorms, which pose a risk to patients and staff. He thereafter visited the Upper Tugela police station, which services the large area of Ward 5 of Okhahlamba Local Municipality.

The MEC was apprised by the station commander of challenges they are facing, including the high rate of stock theft in the area.

The police station also has a broken pump station, which means that it has gone without water for three months.
Mr Hlomuka has pledged to liaise with the relevant departments to resolve some of the challenges faced by the police station so they can improve the quality of service given to the community.

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