About Our Community

Life in Ibhayi township is not easy. The shadow of apartheid lingers. Every household with which we work is deeply affected by HIV and AIDS. Unemployment is rampant, the highest in the country. So is the infant mortality rate. People are cripplingly poor. Women do not have equal rights and sexual violence is a malign part of the fabric of society. It is almost impossible to describe the severe shortage of basic necessities such as rudimentary health care and sanitation. Government feeding programs are woefully inadequate. Municipal clinics are underfunded, under-resourced places of last resort.

But it is difficult to feel pessimistic when you meet the children. About 50,000 orphaned and vulnerable children live in this area. They are brave and resilient, and eager to learn and grow. We are privileged to work with them.

Ubuntu exists in this environment because this is where we are most useful. Ubuntu is one of the only international NGOs with a continuing focus on the Port Elizabeth area. We are now part of the fabric of PE, and we are not going anywhere.