View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
The adult illiteracy levels are a concern in both gender, and therefore implementing the adult<br />
education policy constitutes an aspect <strong>of</strong>a broader strategy aimed at empowerment. The local<br />
municipality however indicated its readiness to institute adult literacy programme in its<br />
strategic plan, as part <strong>of</strong>its way forward in reducing ifnot completely eradicating illiteracy in<br />
the area. The ward councillor <strong>of</strong> Mbhoshongweni rural area expressed concern that about<br />
four out <strong>of</strong>every five household heads are functionally illiterate (Sibiya, Per. Comm., 21-04<br />
2008d).<br />
6.3.3 The pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong>occupation types <strong>of</strong>the bread-winners in U1undi Municipal Area<br />
The situational and local economic development <strong>of</strong> any area may be directly or indirectly<br />
influenced by the occupational and education levels <strong>of</strong> stakeholders within that area <strong>of</strong><br />
investigation. In this study the occupational character <strong>of</strong> each bread-winner <strong>of</strong> a household<br />
was assessed. As such, Figure 6.2 indicates the occupational types <strong>of</strong> household heads <strong>of</strong><br />
Ulundi in 2007. Most <strong>of</strong> the employed heads <strong>of</strong> households are in the government sector<br />
working as educators (19%), health workers (10%), legal/security <strong>of</strong>ficers (12%) and<br />
municipal <strong>of</strong>ficers (8%) as well as government <strong>of</strong>ficials (7%) which include politicians. Quite<br />
a sizeable percentage <strong>of</strong> household heads are unemployed (12%) which however. is in<br />
keeping with the national economic trends. The non-diversified nature <strong>of</strong> the economy is<br />
demonstrated by a low percentage (18%) <strong>of</strong>the self-employed. The necessary boost expected<br />
and required from the private sector towards improving the economy <strong>of</strong> Ulundi has not been<br />
forthcoming up to this date.<br />
Some low-key occupational categories, not associated with the government or public sector<br />
include community workers (3%), domestic workers (8%) and other categories (8%), which<br />
may include taxi drivers and traditional healers. The distribution <strong>of</strong> the occupational entities<br />
shown in Figure 6.2, suggests that to a large extent the employment panern in the area is in<br />
the government sector. It may be inferred therefore that the gravitation <strong>of</strong> employment<br />
towards the private sector is still a challenge which may not be resolved in the near future.<br />
The situation reflected in Figure 6.2 poses a challenge <strong>of</strong> finding options and alternatives to<br />
diversify the economy <strong>of</strong> Ulundi to make it less dependent on the government sector. In spite<br />
139