Pundits currently mull over the fact that the world will never be the same again after the Covid-19 pandemic. Is there a good future road map for us in the Vaal River Barrage? Some economic historians argue that 1918’s global influenza pandemic was so severe that it indirectly caused the global economic depression (1930-33). In effect, the economists suggest, the world’s governments were unable to mitigate the impact a pandemic that claimed as much as 50 million lives. One symptom of the economic global depression was that the leading economies of Europe and North America became volatile. It had global ramifications.

Politics changed in Germany, Italy and Japan. Democracy fell by the wayside. It paved the way for authoritarian governance. That sparked off World War 2 (1939-45). Nowadays, many countries of the world are once again drifting towards authoritarian governance. It may lead to international political instability. COVID’s effects are omnipresent in Emfuleni. Every household is affected. Personal isolation and economic problems are symptoms of deeper problems. Chances are that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will soon make its presence felt. It means locals will be working online from home, instead of going to office.

Consumers already increasingly shop online. Customary urban spaces of residence, commerce and industry are also bound to change in Emfuleni. Currently our prime asset is the Vaal Barrage and its water. The river’s water resources and its abundant coal deposits, made the former Vaal Triangle a key service delivery provider during South Africa’s 20th century industrial revolution. The Vaal River enabled the Witwatersrand’s gold mines and industries to thrive. Irrespective of race or creed, before the 1950s most South Africans were poor. Thanks to wise governance that matter was addressed – but only for some.

For example, in the 1930s economic depression government invested in its (white) unemployed human resources. By giving poor whites jobs, government was able to develop one of the most comprehensive water supply systems on the African continent. Poor white males in the rural areas were recruited for menial labour on government construction sites of dams and new irrigation schemes along the Vaal River. Although white South Africans maintained their personal bias for national political parties, it was at the local level where community leaders, especially schoolteachers and church leaders, guided the people. These ‘educated’ people helped many poor whites who had been left destitute since the South African War (1899-1902) when more than 30 000 people had died in concentration camps. Poor white males working on irrigation and dam construction projects were well-cared for. Government enabled them to study further in their free time. Some even received training to become farmers. Many of today’s successful mega farmers are descendants of poor whites who had government support in the 1930s. In retrospect, the hard luck story of South Africa’s 1930s depression, with wise leadership guidance, created an enabling economic environment. Many poor whites, with basic education, moved to cities. There they sought opportunities in industry, commerce and the civil service.

Can we repeat the 1930s strategy of government in the 21st century? Can we use our jobless human resources for the reconstruction and upgrade of infrastructure systems? We do need more houses. Our water, wastewater and electricity infrastructures need upgrades. At the municipal level there is work to be done. The riviera-like holiday leisure environment of the Vaal River Barrage must once again be made attractive for residents and visitors to Emfuleni. But it requires an honest government with a commitment to doing things right. It may not need, for now, to start with the top political leadership level. The key to positive change is situated in our own midst. Our respected local teachers and religious leaders should take the lead. As trusted leaders they need to provide principled guidance. Our principled community leaders, both male and female, need to step to the fore and provide guidance for the next generation of South Africans. Emfuleni’s economic prospects for the future need to start in the confines of the household. It is here where hardship prevails and the true grit should be sought, for seeking a new future in the Vaal River Barrage catchment. It may not be jobs in industry, or even the farming sector. Innovation is key. That is where local leaders need to guide our youth. Emfuleni’s prime natural asset is the Vaal River. We can learn how to start nurturing the river. We are bound to reap benefits.

Last week I was privileged to sit in meetings of the community water forums of the Klip River and Blesbokspruit – two tributaries of the Vaal Barrage. Lots of untreated wastewater, both industrial and sewage, constantly flows into the Vaal River Barrage. If we can start setting the example in Emfuleni, of caring for our river, its wetlands and the existing infrastructure for potable and wastewater, Emfuleni’s residents can set an example for upstream neighbours. To do that, we need the guidance of community leaders. * The author is an extraordinary professor at North-West University’s Vanderbijlpark campus.