Interview Modvil Student about Modval Boarding School

Terrence Ngobeni

Interview Modvil Student about Modvil Boarding School

When asked about his feelings regarding living in Modvil, he expressed dissatisfaction. He shared that living far from home is challenging, as he does not receive money from his parents. With both parents unemployed, he often has to hustle for cash to meet his needs, making it difficult to manage day-to-day expenses. He also expressed concern for the safety of children in the area, highlighting that many boys roam freely, often without supervision. Girls, too, can find ways to escape to nearby taverns.

He pointed out a troubling sentiment among students, summarizing it as ” kwa mama hampone,” meaning “where mom can’t see me.” This indicates a sense of freedom that can lead to reckless behavior, including drug use. He mentioned that some students are selling drugs, specifically a dangerous substance called crystal meth, which can negatively affect individuals and communities.

The situation in Kroondal exacerbates these issues. The lack of a high school in the area means fewer educational opportunities, which leads to high dropout rates and increased teenage pregnancies. Many boys turn to smoking and hold unrealistic hopes of finding jobs in the mines, which adds to the cycle of poverty and limited prospects for the youth.