Page 7 - Research Report 2025.1

Theme 1:
Geographic and Economic Overview of Rurality
This theme highlights the geographic isolation and economic dependency of Alfred Nzo District, showcasing how the district’s size, rural landscape and lack of formal job opportunities contribute to its socio-economic challenges.
Rurality and Size of Alfred Nzo District
Participant 1 described the Alfred Nzo District as one of the smallest and poorest districts in the country, highlighting its rural nature and the diversity of its local municipalities. The district consists of four local municipalities, including Winnie Madikizela Mandela (formerly Bizana), iMatatiela, Umzumvubu and Ntabankulu, with iMatatiela being the largest. Participant 5 added that Alfred Nzo is characterised by its geographical diversity, including a coastline and mountainous areas, as well as its richness in agriculture and tourism potential.
Economic Challenges and Dependency
Participants emphasised the heavy economic dependence of Alfred Nzo District on government grants. Participant 1 noted that municipalities within the district struggle to generate their own revenue due to their rural nature, relying heavily on grants for financial support.
Participant 1
And the municipalities relying heavily on, grants. They are unable to collect revenue. Okay. Because the municipalities are quite rural in nature. The
and maybe sell.
grants. Yeah. They do go on social grants, disability grants”
The results show that the lack of formal job opportunities further forces residents to seek employment in larger cities or rely on small-scale retail and government public works programs for income. This economic structure leaves the district’s communities vulnerable to external shocks, limiting opportunities for economic mobility and keeping many trapped in cycles of poverty.
Participant 3
There are people that can afford but it’s a limited number compared to masses at large because most people are the ones that are needy. they don’t have proper infrastructure, some areas, there’s no areas, there’s no proper infrastructure.”
Focus group Participant
“When it comes to floods, every year, we experience floods... And, they, normally affect the infrastructure, our bridges because, we still have low lying bridges, as well as the effect, our roads because, obviously, we are a rural municipality. So we still have gravel”
Participant 4
“Alfred Nzo, needless to say, it is very rural. In fact, it
is deep rural... You are going through a rural road. It’s traversable, but the point that it is a rural road, it’s not a tarred road, it makes all the difference.”
Participant 6 further elaborates that the municipalities’ financial
resources are primarily dependent on government grants, such as social
and disability grants, which provide crucial support but are insufficient
to meet all the region’s needs. Furthermore, subsistence farming, as
explained by Participant 1 and Participant 3, remains the primary
livelihood strategy for most residents, though it offers limited financial
returns and sustainability due to both economic and environmental Participant 3
challenges. “The only thing that, rural people are dependent on social
people here survive mainly on subsistence farming... Some, they go to big cities to seek better opportunities. The people here survive mainly on subsistence farming. It means they rare animals that they can consume at a later stage
Participant 6
"Well, in terms of financial resources, we are dependent on grants, definitely. We are dependent on grants, even the equitable the equitable share of the institution of municipality. It can't it can't meet all the, the requirements of the area. Okay. That that's all that's all that I can say”
Theme 2:
Infrastructure Deficits and Access to Services
This theme highlights the significant infrastructure challenges faced by rural areas, particularly in the Alfred Nzo District. The data reveals that inadequate physical infrastructure and limited access to essential services, such as water, roads and communication networks, contribute to economic and social marginalization in these communities.
Lack of Infrastructure
Participants frequently highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure in the Alfred Nzo District, which significantly impacts both daily life and long-term development. Participant 3 observed that only a small number of residents can afford basic infrastructure, while the majority remain in need due to limited resources. A Focus group participant echoed this sentiment, explaining that flooding further compounds these problems by damaging existing infrastructure, particularly low- lying bridges and gravel roads, which are predominant in the region.
Participant 6 specifically pointed out that Ntabankulu is one of the areas most affected by infrastructure deficits, including a scarcity of water, inadequate telecommunication systems and a lack of social facilities such as community halls and sports facilities.
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