Ukonga among women in rural spaces: A Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund‑inspired community project

Volume editor

Joyce Mnesi Mdiniso

Volume editor

Allucia Lulu Shokane

Volume editor

Mapule Cheela

Synopsis

Empowering women is at the heart of sustainable development. Ukonga among women in rural spaces: A Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund‑inspired community project showcases how women’s self‑help groups in Eshowe within the uMlalazi Local Municipality in KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa, have risen as driving forces of change, transforming lives, strengthening families, fostering financial independence and building resilience in rural South African communities.

When the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund was founded in 1995, Nelson Mandela contributed from his own pocket towards establishing an organisation that continues to exist in his honour for nearly 30 years. In the same spirit of self‑reliance and discipline, the Fund introduced the Sustainable Livelihoods Project, implemented in partnership with the KwaZulu‑Natal Christian Council and their community facilitators, supporting these women’s self‑help groups that encourage saving, collective action and sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives enable women to overcome poverty, access education and health care, and develop entrepreneurship skills. The project has directly contributed to strengthening families through community‑based initiatives that improve the care and support of infants, children, youth, expectant mothers and caregivers. Despite limited resources, training and logistical challenges, communities have built homes using locally‑produced cement blocks and initiated income‑generating projects, such as poultry farming, vegetable cultivation and trading, to sustain their livelihoods.

This book combines rigorous qualitative and quantitative research from scholars at the University of Zululand, telling the stories of the lived experiences of these women in rural KwaZulu‑Natal, offering real‑world evidence of the positive socioeconomic impact. It is a vital resource for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and all who are committed to supporting women’s empowerment, sustainable community development and reducing dependency on state grants. Above all, the book tells a story of the power of collaboration between communities, civil society and academia, creating lasting change for women, children and families living in rural South African communities.

Chapters

Foreword
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund

Linda Ncube-Nkomo
Foreword
University of Zululand

Xoliswa Mtose
Preface

Joyce Mnesi Mdiniso, Allucia Lulu Shokane, Mapule Cheela
Introduction
Revitalising rural resilience: University–non-governmental organisation partnerships and women-led development in KwaZulu-Natal through a strategic memorandum of agreement

Allucia Lulu Shokane, Stanley Maphosa, Mapule Cheela, Simangele Constance Cele, Mogomme Alpheus Masoga
Chapter 1
A historical analysis of the Sustainable Livelihoods Project funded by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund

Simangele Constance Cele, Joyce Mnesi Mdiniso, Nolwazi Mabaleka, Stanley Maphosa, Simphiwe Nojiyeza, Mapule Cheela
Chapter 2
Community involvement and its impact in self-help groups’ savings mobilisation

Nolwazi Mabaleka, Mildred Samukelisiwe Nkwanyana, Simangele Constance Cele, Gugulethu Sebenzile Nkosi, Joyce Mnesi Mdiniso
Chapter 3
Evaluating the triumphs and trials of the Ukonga Savings Mobilisation Programme

Nompumelelo Linda, Nolwazi Mabaleka, Simangele Constance Cele, Joyce Mnesi Mdiniso, Gugulethu Sebenzile Nkosi
Chapter 4
Strategic interventions and policy recommendations for enhancing the Project’s impact

Gugulethu Sebenzile Nkosi, Nompumelelo Linda, Simangele Constance Cele, Mildred Samukelisiwe Nkwanyana, Joyce Mnesi Mdiniso, Nolwazi Mabaleka

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ISBN-13 (15)

978-1-990982-32-3