THE PERCEPTIONS AND ENERGY USAGE OF RURAL VILLAGERS IN MAJOMELA, KWAZULU-NATAL.

Many rural communities do not have access to energy resources from the national grid. As a result, rural communities are reliant upon multiple fuels for varying household functions. For socio-economic development, alternative ways of energising rural communities need to be developed. A survey of KwaMajomela in Northern KwaZulu Natal was conducted to determine the present energy usage of traditional households, operating businesses (agricultural and home-based) and future energy requirements, to assess the potential for income generation once the area was energised. A census of 200 households was conducted using local interviewers. Energy-using equipment was identified, the extent to which traditional energy sources were used, wa