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The adult illiteracy levels are a concern in both gender, and therefore implementing the adult
education policy constitutes an aspect ofa broader strategy aimed at empowerment. The local
municipality however indicated its readiness to institute adult literacy programme in its
strategic plan, as part ofits way forward in reducing ifnot completely eradicating illiteracy in
the area. The ward councillor of Mbhoshongweni rural area expressed concern that about
four out ofevery five household heads are functionally illiterate (Sibiya, Per. Comm., 21-04­
2008d).
6.3.3 The profile ofoccupation types ofthe bread-winners in U1undi Municipal Area
The situational and local economic development of any area may be directly or indirectly
influenced by the occupational and education levels of stakeholders within that area of
investigation. In this study the occupational character of each bread-winner of a household
was assessed. As such, Figure 6.2 indicates the occupational types of household heads of
Ulundi in 2007. Most of the employed heads of households are in the government sector
working as educators (19%), health workers (10%), legal/security officers (12%) and
municipal officers (8%) as well as government officials (7%) which include politicians. Quite
a sizeable percentage of household heads are unemployed (12%) which however. is in
keeping with the national economic trends. The non-diversified nature of the economy is
demonstrated by a low percentage (18%) ofthe self-employed. The necessary boost expected
and required from the private sector towards improving the economy of Ulundi has not been
forthcoming up to this date.
Some low-key occupational categories, not associated with the government or public sector
include community workers (3%), domestic workers (8%) and other categories (8%), which
may include taxi drivers and traditional healers. The distribution of the occupational entities
shown in Figure 6.2, suggests that to a large extent the employment panern in the area is in
the government sector. It may be inferred therefore that the gravitation of employment
towards the private sector is still a challenge which may not be resolved in the near future.
The situation reflected in Figure 6.2 poses a challenge of finding options and alternatives to
diversify the economy of Ulundi to make it less dependent on the government sector. In spite
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