Exploring the role of community trusts in development within the Mkhwanazi Traditional Authority.
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The focus of this study was on the community of kwaMkhwanazi Traditional Council
(MTC). This traditional community’s livelihood depends largely on commercial
agriculture with some portions of land demarcated for subsistence farming. The main
agricultural activities in the area include sugar cane plantations, commercial forestry
plantations and livestock farming with notable mineral sand mining operations
especially along the coastal zone. The main aim of this study was to investigate and
assess the impact of the Mkhwanazi Traditional Council’s Trust in supporting the
community through development in areas of infrastructure, economic development
and education. This study was undertaken by pursuing the following operational
objectives: determining the extent to which the community is aware of the Trust and
its benefits to the Mkhwanazi community; assessing the community’s perceptions of
the Trust as a vehicle for service delivery; examining the experiences of trustees
regarding challenges they face and prospects of the Trust serving the Mkhwanazi
community; and evaluating the usefulness of key stakeholders in supporting the
Mkhwanazi Community Development Trust. The study applied qualitative research
methodology and data were collected through interviews. The research collected
data from various stakeholders in the Mkhwanazi Traditional Council. These
stakeholders were Richards Bay Minerals, the community members, the Department
of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and individuals from the
Mhlathuze Municipality. The majority of respondents felt that the community does not
benefit from the Trust. Some respondents went so far as to highlight expected
characteristics of functional trusts. On the other hand, some respondents made
positive remarks about the benefits that the communities derive from the Trust.
Important among the benefits is the award of bursaries to learners from the
community. Although concerns were raised about community’s limited knowledge of
the application process, and of the help available to promote entrepreneurship, such
as by forming co-operatives for sewing and farming which can be funded by the
Trust, the study still concluded that the Traditional Community Development Trust
has a significant role to play in accelerating the sustainable service delivery of the
community’s basic needs.
Description
MPA University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2016.