Mandela Day: a call to action for clean rivers

IOL News

a day ago

The writer is urging people to clean South Africa's rivers on Mandela Day
Image: Bongani Mbatha / Independent Newspapers
Larry Crisp
Mandela Day is a time when individuals, companies, and institutions commit themselves to making a difference, often by dedicating 67 minutes to good deeds that benefit others. For the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), this day is an opportunity to take action through its annual Clear River Campaign, which mobilises efforts to clean rivers across the country.
Water is the most valuable resource we have as humans; without it, we would not exist. It is crucial to keep our rivers and streams clear of pollutants and trash, as this has an adverse effect on the towns downstream. The Department of Water and Sanitation embarks on the Clear River Campaign annually to clean rivers but more importantly, the campaign aims to educate communities about not polluting the water resources.
The Campaign has been running for years, but it seems that annually, the same rivers that were cleaned the year prior continue to be polluted by the nearby communities. While DWS continues to engage in public participation and awareness drives, the outcomes suggest that the message is not landing where it matters most. Community members frequently cite the failure of municipal waste collection services as a major reason for illegal dumping. If there is no accessible or consistent refuse removal, people feel they have no other option.
The prescribed solution is for all spheres of government and communities to work together with the goal of ending pollution of rivers and streams. If dumping continues, the cost of cleaning polluted water places a heavy financial burden on water services providers, especially municipalities. Preventing pollution is not only more sustainable but also far more affordable than dealing with its consequences.
We should bear in mind that behaviours once learned are hard to unlearn. But progress is possible when we commit to consistent effort and collaboration. The Department of Water and Sanitation, alongside partners like Vaal Central Water, Maluti-a-Phofung Water, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, remains committed to the cause. It may not happen overnight, but with persistence and a shared vision, lasting change is within reach.
Larry Crisp is Communications Manager, Department of Water and Sanitation Free State