Drought plunges Silwane Village into food shortage and education crisis
Thembelihle Mhlanga
he community of Silwane village in Lupane district finds itself in the grip of a dire situation as the El Niño-induced drought continues to ravage the region. With food scarcity worsening and resources stretched thin, parents are struggling to provide for their families and pay for their children’s education.
The impact of the prolonged drought is particularly felt by parents who are faced with the double challenge of securing enough food for their households and meeting the financial demands of school fees. Thobekile Mabhena, a concerned parent, expressed her anguish, saying, “The drought has wreaked havoc on our lives. We are unable to grow enough food to sustain our families, let alone afford the school fees for our children. It’s a desperate situation.”
Lindiwe Bhebhe, another parent from Silwane, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the toll it has taken on the education of their children. “Our children’s education is suffering because of the drought. With no food and no money for school fees, many parents are forced to keep their children at home instead of sending them to school regularly,” she lamented.
A concerned community member, Jabulani Donga highlighted the severity of the situation. “The El Niño-induced drought has not only caused food shortages but has also worsened poverty levels in Silwane. The lack of resources has made it nearly impossible for parents to prioritize education amidst the struggle for survival,” he stated.
The dire circumstances faced by parents and students have not gone unnoticed by advocacy groups. Thembakuye Moyo, the National Spokesperson for the Almulgameted Rural Teacher Union (ARTUZ), shed light on the far-reaching implications of the drought-induced education crisis. “The situation in Silwane village is deeply concerning. The inability of parents to provide for their families has resulted in a significant decline in student attendance. The drought is robbing children of their right to education,” he emphasized.
With the El Niño-induced drought persisting, urgent interventions are needed to alleviate the suffering of Silwane village and ensure that children can access education despite the challenging circumstances.
The plight of Silwane village serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate its impact on vulnerable communities. Only through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives can the cycle of drought and its detrimental effects on education and livelihoods be broken.
Source; Community Podium