Orphans and vulnerable children in distress

A survey in two rural townships has shown that over 30% of children are without a mother, a father or both. The problem is especially acute among children 15 years and older, where more than 20% are orphaned.

These are some of the findings of an HSRC census report on the prevalence of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) and their living conditions in Kanana, in the Klerksdorp municipality in the North West, and Kopanong municipality, in the Xhariep district in the Free State.

The study forms part of a five-year project aimed at implementing interventions to assist children, families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

The information provided by the study is important, as there are no reliable current statistics available on the number of OVC in any district in South Africa. Reliable information on the number of OVC is vital to government and non-government organisations to enable them to do proper planning and determine the impact of their work.

The main aim of the research was to count all OVC in eligible households in the two townships, and to obtain specific information on the caregivers, such as the total number of children they were taking care of; the nature of their accommodation; and the economic situation in each household.

Participation in the census was high: 99% (17 950) of households agreed to participate. The average age of participants in Kanana is 25.6, in Kopanong 27.2. Over 40% of the population in both communities are children aged 18 years and younger. The overwhelming majority of children (70%) are younger than 15.

The problem of orphanhood in the communities is very serious. In Kanana, nearly 40% of all children have lost a mother, father or both parents. Of these children, 4% have lost a mother, 28% a father and 6.6% both parents.

In Kopanong, about a third (34%) of all children have lost a mother, a father or both parents. Of these children, 6% have lost a mother, 19% a father and 8.3% both parents.

In both these communities, the problem is especially acute among children of 15 years and older, as over 20% of them are orphaned.

There are no differences in the average number of meals orphaned and non-orphaned children have per day. But orphaned children are more likely to go without food at least once a week. In Kopanong, 43% of household members do not have food to eat one day per week, compared to 51% in Kanana. This finding concurs with reports of lack of food security when one or both of the parents die, especially when the dead parent is the breadwinner.

A particular area of concern, especially in Kopanong, is the large number of households that are headed by illiterate women over 50. This can pose several serious challenges. Firstly, because they are illiterate, the majority are unemployed, poor and are not aware of their rights to social grants. Secondly, these women are not able to help the children with their homework, which is to the detriment of the children?s academic development.

The survey found that school attendance is very high, with over 90% of children aged 6 to 18 attending school in both communities. This is made possible by virtually free schooling, since parents and/or guardians are only required to pay if they can afford to. A small minority of children are reportedly not attending school because of financial reasons.

In both communities, a third of households have incomes of less than R650 per month, making them vulnerable according to at least one of the criteria set for the study.

Overall, tap water, electricity and health services are widely available to the majority of households in Kopanong. One serious concern is that about half of Kanana?s households still use the bucket toilet system, placing children in these households at a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases.

At the time of the census, there had been an outbreak of cholera due to water pollution following heavy rains. Ill health posed an additional burden on a number of households, and in a third of the households at least one family member was seriously ill in the month before the census.

In Kopanong, 26% of the entire sample received some form of grant, whereas in Kanana, only 16% received a grant ? mostly old age pensions and child support grants.

A relatively high number of people had disabilities, but relatively few of the households had access to disability grants. This issue is serious enough to require further investigation.

The number of child-headed households in both communities is very low. In Kakana only 30 households are headed by children, in Kopanong 34. The role of the extended family in both communities could possibly account for the low figures, providing a safety net for these children.

The problem of orphanhood and vulnerability of children is indeed serious, and the community?s ability to provide adequate support to these children is limited owing to generally high poverty levels.

Interventions that will assist households to generate more income to help them care for OVCs is crucial, especially to improve food security. The disability and serious illness of household members adds to the bleak prospects of many households.

Professor Leickness Simbayi is a Research Director, Sean Jooste is a Research Specialist and Azwifaneli Managa is a Junior Researcher in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health Research Programme.