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What can South Africans do about water scarcity?
There’s a growing global water crisis, but you can help.
Water is a renewable resource, covering around 70% of our planet, but we’re currently facing a global freshwater shortage. According to the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme, environmental degradation is weakening the earth’s capacity to supply clean water to communities, contributing to a global water crisis. Climate change, overuse, and pollution are destroying wetlands, peatlands, forest watersheds, rivers, and groundwater sources, and these natural systems that provide clean water are vanishing rapidly.
UN statistics show that more than 50% of the world’s population – about 4 billion people – face water shortages for at least 1 month a year. By 2025, an estimated 1.8 billion people may face what the UN Food and Agriculture Organization calls ‘absolute water scarcity’.
Water scarcity in South Africa
South Africa already faces a severe water crisis, with many people lacking access to clean water and sanitation, which has a negative effect on education and public health. Many schools, especially in rural areas, face unreliable water supplies and unsafe toilets, leading to high absenteeism and serious health risks.
More than 30% of South Africa’s water systems are reportedly unsafe, and 40% of our wastewater plants are in urgent need of repairs and maintenance. The government has estimated that it needs around R30 billion a year to fix these issues, and it is working with the private sector to address them. So far, it has launched initiatives to streamline water management, reduce losses, and involve private companies in building and maintaining infrastructure.
The reforms aim to combine resources and improve efficiency to develop modern sanitation facilities and ensure consistent water supply, but municipal dysfunction remains a challenge. Community engagement and corporate social responsibility are essential, to ensure that local authorities can create a sustainable, reliable water supply for all South Africans.
Kusini currently purifies 8 million litres of water a month across more than 50 sites
Top 10 things you can do to help ease water scarcity
You might think you can’t make any significant contribution to solving global issues, but small amounts add up. A dripping tap will still fill a bucket, eventually. The Nedbank Water Savings Guide shows you how some simple changes can add up to make a real difference. Together, we can tackle challenges like water scarcity.
Here are some ways in which you can make a difference:
1. Help provide clean water
Support initiatives that deliver clean water to communities in need, locally or globally.
2. Protect water quality
Use water purification systems on wastewater to avoid polluting natural water sources.
3. Harvest rainwater
Install JoJo or similar water tanks to collect rainwater at home for household and garden use.
4. Help build climate resilience
Plant trees and practise soil conservation to cool ground surface temperatures, which helps the soil retain more water and adapt to climate change.
5. Use water effectively
Practise water-saving habits like shorter showers and fixing leaks, use more water-efficient technology like low-flow showerheads in your home, and advocate for water-efficient technology in public infrastructure.
6. Reduce pollution
Avoid waste disposal in freshwater sources and support policies that prevent water pollution.
7. Promote community water management
Join local water management initiatives and support community efforts to manage and maintain water infrastructure.
8. Advocate and educate
Share as much information about water scarcity as possible with friends, family, and your community.
9. Participate in and initiate community clean-ups
Join local community initiatives to clean up rivers, dams, and other water sources. If there aren’t any in your area, why not get some community members together and start your own?
10. Choose sustainable products
Support businesses and products that prioritise conservation and sustainability. Look for certifications and labels indicating water-conscious production processes.
Nedbank’s commitment to environmental sustainability
We believe in using Nedbank’s expertise and platform to make a positive impact. Through the Nedbank Foundation, we support meaningful social and environmental initiatives by providing funding and strategic guidance to causes that matter.
Innovations in water treatment
Over the past few years, we have partnered with Kusini Water, a remarkable organisation founded by innovative entrepreneur Murendeni Mafuma, who is dedicated to bringing clean water to all corners of South Africa. Kusini currently purifies 8 million litres of water a month across more than 50 sites, with a mission to deliver clean water to 5 million people by 2025 and expand across Africa by 2030.
Kusini’s unique water purification system uses solar power, macadamia nut shells (a recycled agricultural waste product), and nanotechnology to provide safe drinking water to communities that don’t have a municipal supply. Kusini joins forces with local businesses, non-governmental organisations, sponsors, and government entities to bring solar-powered water filtration to schools, clinics, and informal settlements, ensuring that more South Africans have access to clean water.
At Nedbank, we want the vision of a global sustainable water supply to be more than a pipe dream. Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right, and we all have a responsibility to conserve our environment.
