A series of short-lived but impactful develop
ment interventions by SWRGN has left a lasting
mark on the people of Ward 8, with community
members now calling for the continuation of the
life-changing programmes.
The initiatives, which introduced villagers to
Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS),
horticulture, nutrition gardening, and poultry
production, were implemented over a short
period, but their impact has been profound.
For Brenda Dlamini, the transformation was
immediate and deeply personal.
“Before they came, we did not know ISALS or
gardening,” she said. “Now these activities are
sustaining our families. It was a short project,
but it changed our lives.”
Through ISALS, community members learnt
how to multiply small savings, support each
other financially, and strengthen resilience.
Nutrition gardens introduced families to diversi
fied vegetable production, improving diets and
reducing hunger.
The chicken-rearing initiative, rolled out across
five groups, encountered challenges, particular
ly for Brenda’s group in Shale Village.

They received Sasso chickens intended for egg
production and incubation, but the absence of
an incubator forced them to sell the eggs
instead. Later, the chickens began eating each
other, and the group was forced to halt the
poultry project.
Determined not to let the effort collapse, the
group sold the remaining chickens and invested
in potato seed.
“Those potatoes are thriving,” Brenda said
proudly. “We sell some in eMawabeni and feed
our families with the rest. Even though the
project was short, we learnt so much, and we
want it to continue.”
The knowledge Brenda gained from ISALS and
gardening even enabled her to open a small
shop that now sustains her family, an opportuni
ty she never imagined would be possible.
The impact was equally significant for people
living with disabilities.