Until 1990 people in South Africa were confined to live in certain areas according to their race. Most of S.A.’s 30 million black citizens live in rural areas. The Xhosa tribe began migrating to Cape Town in 1983 looking for work. Since 1983, more than 1.5 million Xhosa people have settled in a township called Khayelitsha (which means “new homes”). It is a 25 minute drive from Cape Town
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75% of these people are unemployed, illiterate and in desperate need. Two thirds of the population live in small shacks made from scraps of tin, wood and plastic. Few have running water, sanitation or electricity. Unemployment has caused violence to escalate in the shantytown and people often kill to survive and have work. Child abuse, domestic abuse, and rape are a daily occurrence. The average family unit is completely broken down providing no stability and no healthy example of family life. Thousands of hungry children without adequate clothing or shoes run the streets with no schooling or supervision. Education is not free in South Africa and due to minimal or no income, children are simply not able to go to school. Many are physically and sexually abused leading to destructive behaviour such as drugs, alcohol, crime, violence and immorality.
GOD’S VISION FOR UYESU UNATHI
God has placed a vision within the hearts of UYESU UNATHI to pioneer a Christian community centre with limitless potential to serve these people for the glory of Christ. This centre entitled “UYESU UNATHI” (meaning “Jesus is with us”) and would encompass a full range of education, empowerment, and various ministries.
