Exposure 'Ngonini, Piggs Peak'

Here in Ngonini I have started my three-month stay in Swaziland and trying to see a different prospective of life, at least different than two years that I have spent in Europe so far. I am based in Ngonini, it’s a small town northern Swaziland which is located to the south of Hhohho district, close to the border with South Africa.

When I arrived in Mbabane, capital city of Swaziland, I stayed with other school mates in a Cathmar cottage which is a guest house owned by an American family and have all the facilities according to African standard or similar to European standard.

Living there for a couple of days I could not experience the touch of community or needs so I decided to leave for Ngoniini, Piggs Peak as early as possible.

Berine, a South African national who has immigrated to Piggs Peak in Swaziland years ago is in a co-founder of Hlanganani primary school here. She drove me to Piggs Peak and I got a chance to know little more about the country, people and the social issues here, specifically in Piggs Peak. The whole conversation made me realize I am at the right place to start my social work journey and I have to make most of it, but some realty beyond my expectation were yet to unfold.

Berine gave me a quick tour to her Pre/Primary school and introduced me to the staff members then she dropped me to the local bus stop where I had to catch a Kombi to Ngonini. I have been hopping from one place to another, one means of transport to another since September 27 despite having carsickness.

A Kombi or a micro van with capacity to accommodate 12 passengers maximum was loaded with more than 15. Approximately 45 minutes drive from the town to Ngonini where I had been asked over and over if I am married or engaged or I am interested to be make new friends. So far I have noticed that being a foreigner here you will be asked many strange questions by the people but at least they have decency not to be clingy. Every person you meet greets you and asks how you are.

Vusumnotfo area located amidst the citrus farm is definitely not a place you would have imagined that you are going to live for three months, but yes if you can have control over your materialistic thoughts you can definitely adapt it. And this is my home for another three months where I live with my supervisor Kathy with her four pets, a Peace Corps volunteer from States, Swazi volunteer and a German volunteer in Vusumnotfo project.

I am still trying to get familiar with name of places and the transport back and forth. Piggs Peak town is pretty crowded. If you are a female, men come asking for your phone number or wanna date him, women ask you if you wanna marry her daughter or son and are willing to give your parents 25 cattle according to Swazi marriage culture. At times, the attention overwhelms you but consistency make you annoyed. Put a ring in your ring finger and say them that you're MARRIED.

Middle of nowhere

Sunset through barb wire

Chicken farming

My wendy house

Banana Farm

Citrus farm