Jacob Zuma, the former President of South Africa, has a long and controversial history with Nkandla, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal. Nkandla became infamous in 2014 when it was revealed that Zuma had spent millions of public funds on lavish upgrades to his private residence there.
The upgrades, which included a swimming pool, a cattle kraal, and an amphitheatre, were deemed unnecessary and extravagant by many, sparking widespread public outrage and leading to a Constitutional Court ruling that Zuma had to repay some of the money. This scandal, known as the "Nkandla saga", further tarnished Zuma's reputation and contributed to his eventual resignation in 2018. While Nkandla is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, it is also sadly associated with this controversial chapter in South African history.
The idyllic hills of Nkandla, Zuma's home town, are also hiding a dark secret. A senior government official has revealed that a staggering 50% of young girls in the area who come to the local hospital pregnant, test positive for HIV. This disturbing statistic has sent a wave of concern through the community, with many blaming a disturbing trend of older men, known locally as "blessers", who exploit vulnerable young schoolgirls for sexual favours in exchange for money and gifts.
“We’ve found that 50% of the young girls who come here pregnant have tested positive for HIV," said Lawrence Khoza, head of primary health care at the Nkandla Hospital. "This is a crisis, and it's a crisis that is being fuelled by a culture of exploitation that is deeply rooted in our community."
The problem, according to Khoza, is exacerbated by the prevalence of boarding houses in Nkandla. With the local schools renowned for their high pass rates, many parents send their children to Nkandla from surrounding areas, hoping for a better education. However, these boarding houses, often lacking adequate supervision and support, become breeding grounds for vulnerability, leaving young girls open to exploitation.
"These girls, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, are susceptible to exploitation by men with money who prey on their vulnerabilities and lack of resources," Khoza explained. "These men, known as 'blessers', entice these young girls with expensive gifts and a luxurious lifestyle, all while knowing that they are putting these girls at risk of contracting HIV."
The situation is further compounded by the fact that many of these young girls, often first-time mothers, are reluctant to use contraceptives, believing they will not get pregnant again. This ignorance and lack of awareness about sexual health and reproductive rights only serve to further the cycle of exploitation and vulnerability.
"This is not just a health crisis, it's a social crisis," said Cebisile Zungu, a social worker from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca). "We need to address the root causes of this problem, which include poverty, lack of access to education, and a culture of silence around sexual health."
Zungu also expressed concern about the rampant drug abuse in the area, which she believes is further contributing to the vulnerability of young girls. She urged parents to stop sending their children to buy alcohol and drugs, as this often leads to addiction and further compromises their ability to make informed decisions about their lives.
"We need to create a safe and supportive environment for our young people," Zungu said. "This means providing them with access to education, healthcare, and social services. It also means challenging the harmful attitudes and beliefs that contribute to the exploitation of women and girls."
Zonke Shazi-hlongwane, from the organization "Ikusasa Ngelami" which assists parents in raising their children, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vulnerability of children under 18 who are away from their parents.
"Living in an environment that isn't their home at such a young age makes them susceptible to making poor decisions or engaging in activities they wouldn't normally do," Shazi-hlongwane explained. "They see others doing it, and with the allure of pleasure and a comfortable lifestyle, they are easily tempted, especially without parental guidance."
She stressed the importance of creating a structured environment for young people, similar to that of a boarding school, where rules and regulations are in place to protect them from exploitation.
"Boarding houses lack the same level of structure and protection," Shazi-hlongwane said. "We need to ensure that these young people are not left vulnerable and that they have access to the support they need to make healthy choices."
The issue of "blessers" and their exploitation of young girls is not unique to Nkandla. It is a problem that plagues many communities across South Africa, often fuelled by poverty, inequality, and a lack of opportunity. However, the alarming statistics from Nkandla serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of this practice.
The revelation of these statistics are a cause of concern, with many calling for action to address the issue. The Nkandla Mayor, Mbhekiseni Biyela, expressed deep concern about the high rate of alcohol consumption among women in the area, which he believes contributes to the problem.
"Many bars and clubs are predominantly filled with women rather than men," Biyela said. "This is a worrying trend, and we need to address the root causes of this problem, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of social support."
Biyela also revealed that many fires in Nkandla are caused by intoxicated individuals, particularly women, highlighting the dangers of alcohol abuse in the community.
Sphelele Ngidi, the chief of the Ngwegweni ward, echoed Biyela's concerns, stating that alcohol abuse has wreaked havoc on many people in Nkandla, further exacerbating the existing social problems.
The Men's Forum, where the disturbing statistics were revealed, was attended by prominent figures including traditional leaders, chiefs, and councilors. The event was graced by the presence of the Messengers Church leadership and was expertly hosted by Vusizwe Langa, a radio personality from Jozi FM.
