The doctor arrives at Mabibi 'airport'

Mabibi kids

Mabibi architecture

I have pulled myself away this morning from the beauty of Thonga Beach Lodge on the Zululand north coast of South Africa, for a private tour of the rural community of Mabibi (‘dry grass’ in Zulu).

As the short, but bumpy drive into ‘town’ wends its way past the paw-paw and avocado trees, as well as the occasional waving local, my guide Maxwell indulges me.

“I am famous. Everybody knows me,” he says, as another smiling villager goes by. Technically this may be true. But one gets the feeling that in this community everybody is famous.

At less than two hours, the tour of Mabibi is short, but nonetheless provides a fascinating glimpse into life in a local KwaZulu Natal village.

The Mabibi Clinic, which provides free health care for the 2,500 or so residents of the community, sits near the centre of town. Serviced daily by a professional nurse, as well as every Friday by a doctor who flies in on the adjacent grass airstrip, the facility was built in lieu of a nearby hospital.   

Across the road from the clinic lies the Mabibi Combined Primary School. With 163 students, the school provides elementary education for 4 to 15 year-old children, some of whom walk ten kilometres every day to attend classes.

“When I started [in 2001], we didn’t even have electricity or water … so we have seen many changes,” Headmistress Pat Ntuli remarks.

After driving past the soon-to-be completed church, community fruit and vegetable garden and through the residence of the village chief, we come across Max’s family estate.   

“There are about 15 of us living here,” Max comments, as we stop and say hello to his father and nephews.

Like most homes in the area, Max’s household relies almost entirely on solar panels for electricity.

“Our solar panels power our TVs and radios … so I was able to watch the World Cup last year,” Max says proudly.

South African Tourism’s latest marketing campaign focuses on its people. And after just a few hours in Mabibi, you’ll know why.