Makumeke
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Makumeke is a small village in northern part of South Africa, far north of Limpopo Province , under the Thulamela municipality. It is currently ruled by Sidwel Maluleke as an induna under the chieftainship of Mavambe Tribal Authority. The meaning of Makumeke can be literal translated to mean “one who is FOUND” in Xitsonga language.
Population
The village comprise of an estimate of 400 families, with a population of about 5000 people . The village use Xitsonga as the indigenous language.
Geographic location
It is located in the north, almost 9km from Malamulele Township. It colors the vales of Rivhubye river with green fields, in the southern side of Thohoyandou. It is surrounded by one perennial river Rivhubye and two periodic rivers called Ngholombbi. Three small rivelets that dissect the community , Sanavi, Hlatswatindyelo and Mthlwari on the northern side.
Development
It is one of the poverty stricken communities in the southern Africa but with serious exceptional development from the hard working families. Most of the families live below the poverty line, due to lack of employed members in the families. This also result from the fact that families that get some source of income move into nearby townships in search of basic human facilities like water and sanitation.
Until recently the community was sponsored with an irrigation scheme. The irrigation scheme turned the living conditions in this community as the house hold started working or running their own one ha irrigation scheme. Chicken farming is also scheme which the community is also engaged in to make a living.
Currently the village has running water, electricity, a primary school and day care for small children. One general dealer, and a café has been running including some corner spaza shops which have been operating for some time.
Education
The community has produced numerous academic personalities, such as mechanical engineers, Principals, teachers, nurses, pastors etc. The community has one primary school, the secondary school is situated at almost 4 km away ,The secondary school is called “Shirilele Secondary School”.
Religion
The community is characterised of different religions which work together for the welfare of the community. The common known is Zion Christian Church, the Full Gospel Church of God in South Africa, Zion, Islam and the ancestral worship. Due to the size of the community and cultural beliefs, the are many people who believe in craft.
