Ilenge Development Foundation (IDF)
Background
The Msinga region is located in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal. Its tumultuous history finds its roots in colonial times when the British delineated and established borders for agricultural reserves. These border demarcations often ignited conflicts between tribes and Amakhosi as they vied for limited resources and territorial control. These age-old land disputes persist today, casting long shadow over the local communities.
These historical clashes led to numerous casualties and even extended their reach to neighboring regions such as Johannesburg and Durban. One poignant conflict that erupted in 1987 between the Ngubo and Ngcengeni clans resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 40 men (as chronicled in “The living law of land in Msinga District, KwaZulu-Natal, 2011:51”). These hostilities left an enduring and palpable mark on many communities in the Msinga and Ilenge regions.
The battles of the past gave rise to factionalism among communities and the disintegration of family structures, primarily due to coordinated attacks on young boys and the targeted killings of male figures, often the primary breadwinners and pillars of their households. These events exacerbated economic insecurity and deepened the specter of poverty within the region. Consequently, the people of Msinga, especially in the Ilenge region, have inherited a culture of conflict that continues to shape their lives.
Even though the conflicts have ended, the region still suffers from the consequences of the protracted disputes and conflicts. Some of the issues that still need to be addressed include economic upliftment, which can improve the lives of the residents of this region.
The 2011 StatsSA results shows that Msinga Municipality has an unemployment rate of 49.5%, this in turn has a negative impact on household income levels and economic development of the district. If economic development is to be sustainable, there is a need for targeted efforts that focus on mending the past, bridging barriers, and fostering reconciliation and a culture of peace in a community that was once at odds. The Ilenge Development Foundation (IDF) and the Ilenge Football Association (IFA) are two of the numerous sections of concerned institutions working together with the community and local government to address some of these challenges through various initiatives.
Despite the cessation of these conflicts, the Msinga region grapples with their enduring repercussions. Pressing issues such as economic upliftment remain paramount for enhancing the well-being of its residents. Alarming statistics from the 2011 StatsSA report reveal a staggering unemployment rate of 49.5% in the Msinga Municipality, profoundly affecting household incomes and stymieing economic progress within the district. Achieving sustainable economic development necessitates targeted endeavors to address historical grievances, bridge societal divides, and cultivate reconciliation and a prevailing culture of peace in a community once marked by division.
The IDF and IFA exemplify the commitment of concerned institutions working in unison with the community and local government to confront these challenges through a myriad of initiatives. Their collective efforts aspire to shape a brighter future for the denizens of the Msinga region, where the scars of yesteryears can finally heal, and prosperity and harmony can blossom anew.
Vision
To see a united and thriving Msinga Community and beyond, using the unifying force of sports and community development.
Mission
- Fostering cooperation and peace through inclusive sports competitions
- Providing culturally rooted dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Enhancing the quality of life in Msinga through capacity building and community development initiatives
- Promoting social cohesion, nation-building, and improved living standards for Msinga residents.
Objectives
- To promote social cohesion and violence prevention among teenagers and the community through multi-sport activities and a technique that combines the promotion of peaceful coexistence with the development of life skills.
- To implement sports-based development programs for young people in Msinga communities and elsewhere in order to reduce violent incidents and enable young people to attain their full potential.
- Bring healing to a wounded community by commemorating the fallen and memorializing significant and symbolic landmarks in the Msinga region.
- Promoting social cohesion and togetherness through various techniques, such as dialogue and developing a peace culture.
- Through diverse efforts, create chances for community development and economic development.
Values
Our core values include human rights and dignity, social cohesion, socio-economic development, peace and stability.
