Our Ark is located about 55 km from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, and falls under the Gcumisa Tribal Authority. The Ark is situated in Ward 10 of the Umshwati Municipality in a rural area characterised by traditional and formal housing. We concentrate our services on Mayizekanye, one of the seven “izigodi” (traditional wards). The population of the ward is 3,000, of which 350 are orphaned and vulnerable children.

The unemployment rate is very high – estimated at about 86%. Those who do work, have to travel to the city of Pietermaritzburg. Some are subsistence farmers, whilst others do piece work on construction sites and road construction projects in the area. The unemployed are supported by old age pension, disability and social grants.

The Mayizekanye area is one of the most underprivileged, because government structures like clinics, Home Affairs offices, Social Welfare offices and Police Stations are miles away.

Our Ark started operating on 1 December 2004 with the registration of 102 orphans and vulnerable children in the wider community.

Socially and economically 60% of families in our area are run by single mothers who are unemployed or sick, or grandparents supporting their grandchildren from old age pension. Some families are child headed households without any documentation to identify themselves.

Our Peoplee

T.C. Malevu (Ark Manager)

Our Ark offers:

• Care and support to 191 orphans and vulnerable children
• 4 employed staff members
• Help with grant applications and ID documents
• A volleyball team

• Funding for railway containers to use as a resource centre
• School uniforms
• School shoes
• Stationery
• Stipends for volunteers

Or contact Noah if you have services or skills you would like to bring to Umkhumbi ka-Noah Vuka Ark.

Our address

Vuka Primary School
D599, Wartburg
Swayimane Area
Kwamaphumulo, Esthezi