Factors hindering the successful outcome of rural community projects

Little socio-economic development has occurred in most rural areas in the Limpopo Province twelve years after the advent of democracy. This paper is based on an exploratory descriptive study conducted among fourth-year students at the University of the North – now the University of Limpopo – who live in impoverished rural communities. Focus group interviews were conducted with 21 participants. The findings suggest that most community members have not benefited from income-generating projects, some of which have collapsed for various reasons. Nonetheless, the villagers’ spirit of ubuntu motivates them to volunteer in projects that cater for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and people living with HIV and AIDS.