The latest South African water reports, including the Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop reports, find that nearly half of the water in SA is unsafe to drink.
According to Roelie van Reenen, supply chain executive at Beefmaster Group, more pressure needs to be exerted by the public to demand better water quality.
“The reports provide us with a glimpse into the severity of the problem, serving as a crucial starting point. While they are a welcome step- to tackling the issue, it is disconcerting that the findings haven’t sparked a more resounding outcry, signalling the pressing need for greater awareness and action,” says van Reenen.
The latest reports, released at the end of 2023, found that the Northern Cape has the highest percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance (87%). This has deteriorated from 48% in 2014. The percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance in the Free State has also deteriorated markedly between 2014 (31%) and 2023 (59%). Some areas in the North West fare no better. In short, the reports find that these regions exhibited very poor performance and need targeted intervention.
“The irony is that clean water is a human right, but it is not a reality at present,” says van Reenen.
In 2023, a devastating case of Cholera broke out in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, killing 23 people. Cholera is linked to inadequate access to clean water. Although an independent study was unable to pinpoint the source of the outbreak, pollution of the Hammanskraal’s water source by upstream failing sewage plants has been blamed for high levels of eColi in the water. Many experts believe the tragedy could have been avoided.
Van Reenen believes that individuals within failing systems should be held accountable when lives are lost in such circumstances, especially when there has been a history of inaction by those responsible for the provision of services.
“Dysfunctional and non-compliant wastewater treatment works, mismanagement, under-investment and misuse of funds, as well as a lack of skills, are to blame for unsafe water. This a severe issue that should enrage the public.”
He says that the main operations of Beefmaster Group are based in Christiana in the North West as well as in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, with these locations strategically chosen by the business more than forty years ago due to their proximity to good water sources. However, these natural water sources are now under threat.
“We want to see commitment for improved access to clean water, with communities playing a leading role in securing this fundamental right. The sustainability of our operations hinges on preserving and safeguarding our precious water sources,” says van Reenen.
South Africa is one of the lowest ranked countries when it comes to the quality of drinkable water, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is a trend echoed by the United Nations and other studies, such as the Yale University water quality index.
The CDC lists countries it deems as having (or not having) safe drinking water, and recommends not drinking tap water “in most middle and low-income countries, even in cities.” According to this list, South Africa scores a paltry 23.4 out of a possible 100 points, with its water marked as “not safe to drink”.
“It’s time for each of us to raise our voices and demand more accountability. Waves of change is possible. Whether through community initiatives, supporting water conservation efforts, or advocating for policy changes, the public can make a difference,” concludes van Reenen.
