Special section: Community resourcing

The psychosocial well-being of a “forgotten” South African community: the case of Ndumo, KwaZulu-Natal

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 25 , issue 3 , 2015 , pages: 171–181

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2015.1065050

Author(s): Werner Nell Optentia Research Programme, Department of Behavioural Sciences, South Africa , Engela de Crom Department of Nature Conservation, South Africa , Hendri Coetzee Institutional Community Engagement Office and Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa , Elize van Eeden Research Group for Integrative Multidisciplinary Ecohealth and Wellbeing Research, South Africa

Keywords: KwaZulu-Natal , life satisfaction , Ndumo , Phongolo River floodplain , positive psychology , psychosocial well-being , subjective well-being

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Abstract

This study investigated the psychosocial well-being of an indigenous cultural community in South Africa, using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Data on life satisfaction and emotional, social and psychological well-being were collected from 521 local residents (48% female) of Ndumo in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa using the Satisfaction-with-Life Scale and Mental Health Continuum. In addition, interviews were conducted with 20 Ndumo residents (35% female). Findings revealed that community members had above-average levels of psychosocial well-being and exhibited significant resilience towards countering socio-economic under-resourcing, including poverty and unemployment. The community resources found to aid resilient living included being able to live off the land, a pleasant climate, personal safety, hope for a better future, and instrumental, material, and social support from philanthropic organisations.

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