To ensure pupils can safely cross hippo and crocodile-infested waters of Lake Nhlange, the KZN Department of Education (DoE) last week donated another boat to the uMlabuyalingana community.

Failing the construction of a bridge, pupils from Nhlange High, Amandla High and Enkovukeni Primary schools have to cross the lake daily to attend school.

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The second boat, says Nkosinathi Ngcobo, head of the KZN DoE, aims to ease the burden on the original boat.

While the assistance is welcomed, residents say boats are not a sustainable solution, and only highlight the ongoing neglect of rural communities.

uMlabuyalingana Ward 10 Councillor Sakhile Mabika says the situation has tragically become ‘normal’ for young people in the area, many of whom have known no other way to access education.

Yet, despite these conditions, uMkhanyakude District continues to produce top provincial matric results – a fact Mabika attributes to the determination of the pupils, and dedication of the teachers.

“Rural life is the driving force behind these learners’ excellence.

“They want better opportunities, and our educators and communities have supported them every step of the way,” he said.

However, he says the lack of a bridge impacts every resident trying to access basic services, including healthcare, and he continues to plead with the government for assistance.

“We have a huge challenge in Enkovukeni. When we engaged the Department of Health, we were told their staff cannot cross the lake to bring healthcare services to ill patients because of employer conditions. Meanwhile, our people suffer,” said Mabika.

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