Ekukhanyeni Community Unites to Restore Degraded Land and Protect their Future

As part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate an expanding donga in Ekukhanyeni, community members recently joined hands to plant vetiver grass, a highly effective plant known for its deep roots that help prevent soil erosion. This activity forms a crucial part of the wider restoration work being supported through World Vision’s natural regeneration programme.

World Vision Eswatini’s Project Officer Kuhle Hlophe expressed gratitude to both the community and the Ministry of Agriculture for their commitment to restoring the land. 

“Vetiver grass has very strong, deep roots that are essential for stabilising the soil and preventing further erosion,” he explained. 

Sinotsile, a primary school learner who lives near the donga, shared her fears. “We were always worried that one day our homes might be destroyed because the donga kept getting closer. It was even starting to affect our access to important services like the clinic, because it began eroding the main road.”

High school student Siwakhile echoed her concerns. “I often had to take longer routes to school because the donga made the main path unsafe. This meant I was sometimes late. At home we keep livestock, and our cattle would sometimes slip into the donga, especially during rainy days.”

What was once a widening threat is now slowly becoming a space of hope. The rehabilitation work, covering an area of nearly four hectares, is giving the community optimism for a better future. Families are already imagining how the restored land could support new livelihood opportunities.

“I’m excited because our parents will be able to plant fruit tress on the restored land,” Sinotsile said with a smile.