Sixteen years after attaining liberation, this rural community has not yet tasted the fruits of democracy. They do not have access roads, no clinic, no schools and no playing grounds.

Mavhunda village is only a few kilometers from Thohoyandou, the economic hub of Vhembe, but is worse off than far-flung and remote areas in terms of infrastructure. The nearest school for the village with more than 800 households is ten kilometers away, the nearest clinic is also about 18 kilometers away from the village and there is an acute shortage of water.

Instead of sitting down and pretending that everything is fine, the community came up with a turnaround strategy which, if supported, will soon bear fruits. The village was a hive of activity last weekend, with all members of the community coming together to build the first school in the village. They had contributed money for the building and they were given a donation of window frames by a local welder. Now the building is progressing so fast that they are already at window level. Their dream of having their own school might not be realized, however, if a miracle does not occur and Good Samaritans come to their rescue.

Chief Faranani Mavhunda, the local traditional leader, said the community had made many representations to Government, asking them to bring essential services to them, but they have not been so lucky. “We have knocked on many doors of the government, but each time we were given empty promises. Just look up there; it is a site meant for a clinic, but four years have now passed without even a foundation being laid. We have waited for far too long, and we don´t feel like we belong to this government,” he said.

He said they were worried about the safety of learners who had to travel many kilometers to seek education at other villages. “It is very dangerous for learners to travel long distances to neighbouring schools, which are far away. Some even get raped on the way and they become easy targets for lusty men who make them pregnant after offering them lifts. We are really in a sad state and we need help as a matter of urgency,” said Vhavenda Vho Edward Nndutanyeni Mavhunda, who had been acting as chief before the current incumbent was installed.

Mr Herold Nemukula, the local civic chairperson, said they were building the school out of love for their chidren and for the sake of education. “We would like to give education a chance in this village,” he said.

He said their initiation of this project did not mean that they were giving up on engaging Government, but they just wanted to show Government that even if they did not get anything they were promised, they were able to do some of the things themselves as a community. “We are giving our government a challenge. We are entitled to what other communities are getting. We should not be sidelined as if we are a foreign village. We will not stop engaging municipalities and we will keep on raising these issues whenever there are IDP meetings,“ he said.

He said after the completion of their school project, they would embark on building a clinic.