Beyond the bin: Rethinking bioplastic waste for a circular future
Plastic is everywhere. From packaging our food to building our homes and medical equipment, we've come to rely on it for nearly everything. But our dependence on plastic has come at a cost that the environment can no longer bear.
We now know that plastic pollution is choking our oceans, polluting soils, harming wildlife, and posing a threat to human health. That's why this
One solution that has garnered considerable attention is bioplastics. These materials resemble regular plastics in appearance and function but are made from renewable sources, such as corn or sugarcane, and often are certified as biodegradable or compostable. It sounds like a dream: plastic without the pollution.
But the reality is more complicated. Not all bioplastics are created equal. Some are biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally, but only under specific conditions. Others are compostable, but only in large-scale industrial composting facilities, not your backyard compost heap. Still others are bio-based versions of conventional plastics and don't degrade at all.
Another key issue is that evidence suggests certifications are not aligned with real-world outcomes. Authorities are now addressing this through a review process, specifically to bring the EN13432 compostable certification — a European standard that defines the requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation — closer in line with real-world end-of-life scenarios. The bottom line? These materials are often misunderstood by consumers, companies and even governments.
Many people assume that tossing a bioplastic item into nature or a regular bin is fine, but without the right conditions, most of these materials don't degrade within the timeframes for which they were certified. Even worse, if they're sent to waste management facilities already processing other waste streams, such as PET recycling facilities that handle polyethylene terephthalate — a strong and durable plastic — they can disrupt and jeopardise these processes.
Above all, when bioplastics are mismanaged, we lose valuable carbon that could have been recovered and reused, thereby undermining the very purpose for which these materials were created.
The truth is that our waste systems are not designed to handle bioplastics, at least not now and not at scale.
Take Italy, for example. The country has made significant progress in encouraging the use of bioplastics, even mandating their use for shopping bags, takeaway containers and the collection of organic waste. These bioplastics are legally required to be sent to organic waste management facilities, such as composters and anaerobic digestion plants.
Despite good intentions, much of the bioplastic-containing waste is pulled out at the start of the treatment process, along with other large or 'unusual' items, and sent to incineration instead. Why? Because old treatment plants weren't designed to handle large quantities of bioplastics. This leads the facilities to believe that the risk of disrupting their processes is just too high to treat bioplastics properly.
The problem isn't with bioplastics themselves; they can and should be a big part of the portfolio of solutions to combat plastic pollution. It's that existing waste management systems weren't built around them. Moreover, in the developing world, most cities lack proper industrial composting or anaerobic digestion facilities. There's little public awareness on how to dispose of bioplastics correctly. And our recycling technologies haven't caught up with the complexity of these new materials. As a result, the promise of bioplastics is falling short. But it doesn't have to be this way.
At
This means that less bioplastic waste is sent to landfills or incinerators, but also that we get as much value as possible from bioplastic materials before they are composted. It's a system designed not just to clean up plastic, but to recapture carbon — the most valuable currency in the world — and keep it cycling in the economy where it belongs.
Of course, new technologies are only part of the solution. Public education is just as important. Most people still don't understand the difference between biodegradable and compostable, or how to identify a bioplastic in the first place. Clear labelling, public awareness, consistent regulations and accessible disposal systems are essential. It's also time for governments to step up.
There is a need for investment in composting and recycling infrastructure, as well as extended producer responsibility laws that hold companies accountable for the waste their products generate. Additionally, incentives are necessary to encourage better product design and effective product management after use.
Crucially, we must be honest about where bioplastics make the most sense. They're great for short-lived, disposable items, such as food packaging or compostable liners, where collection and treatment can be controlled. But they're not a blanket replacement for all plastic. In some cases, reusable options or better recycling systems offer more environmental benefits.
Bioplastics won't fix our waste crisis overnight. They're not a silver bullet. But, with innovative design, responsible production, as well as proper disposal and waste management systems, they can be part of a much-needed shift toward circular, sustainable materials. And that's the future we need. One where resources aren't wasted, ecosystems aren't harmed, and people, businesses and governments work together to protect the only home we have.
Consumers, too, have a role to play. Start by reading labels carefully. If something is labelled 'compostable,' it usually means it needs the high heat and controlled conditions of an industrial composting facility — not your backyard bin.
So, compost carefully, and where possible, check if your local waste system accepts compostable plastics. If not, advocate for better infrastructure. Try to reduce single-use items altogether and support companies developing genuinely sustainable alternatives.
Every action counts. When we work together, scientists, citizens, companies and cities, we can shape a future where waste is not just managed but transformed into a resource.
Dominique Rocher is a co-tutelage PhD researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Padova. Dr Wessel Myburgh is a post-doctoral researcher at SU and the University of Padova. They are co-founders of Urobo Biotech, a waste-to-value spinout focused on enzymatic solutions for bioplastic-rich waste streams
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Mail & Guardian
12 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Pharmaceuticals found in Hout Bay mussels
Hout Bay's marine environment is threatened by pharmaceutical and personal care product compounds that have accumulated in marine life, even kilometres from pollution sources, University of Cape Town researchers have found. Hout Bay's marine environment is threatened by The authors said the findings of their Environments, raise urgent questions about sewage management, environmental monitoring and public health in one of Cape Town's popular coastal areas. The research team, led by These compounds — residues from common medications and products such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste and moisturisers — enter the marine environment through human excretion, wastewater discharge and improper disposal. The presence of these compounds in mussels is a 'red flag', Ojemaye warned. 'Mussels are sentinel organisms; they filter the water and accumulate pollutants, which means they are telling us a story about the health of the entire marine ecosystem.' The pollution from Hout Bay's sewage discharge extends far beyond the immediate outfall area, contradicting previous assumptions that contaminants disperse quickly and harmlessly. This is not a case of 'dilution is the solution to pollution', Ojemaye said. 'These contaminants don't just disappear. They spread, settle, and accumulate in marine life, creating an extensive and ongoing impact zone.' Sewage contamination The researchers used chemical analyses to quantify the presence of pollutants such as personal care product compounds in sentinel marine organisms such as mussels, as well as microbial indicators of faecal contamination in river water and seawater, for estimating the extent of affected zones in the coastal environment of Hout Bay. They also investigated the pharmaceuticals found in wastewater effluent samples in Hout Bay, examining whether these substances were also detectable in marine biota, specifically mussels. The findings revealed significant levels of sewage-related pollutants in the sampled environments. 'These results highlight persistent PPCP contamination in marine organisms, with increasing concentrations observed over time, suggesting a rise in population and pharmaceutical use,' the study said. Microbial analysis also found 'These findings underscore the significant impact of untreated sewage on the environment,' the study noted. It concluded that sewage treatment is insufficient to mitigate pollution, urging the implementation of more effective wastewater management practices and long-term monitoring of pharmaceutical levels in marine biota to protect both the environment and public health. In addition, municipal decisions regarding sewage disposal options in Hout Bay have played a significant role in the pollution by sewage of the coastal area. The lack of control of serviced land invasion has exacerbated things. 'The city has not provided Imizamo Yethu with adequate sanitation infrastructure for decades, leading to exceptionally high faecal content in the Disa River,' said The authors fully support the argument by lawyers involved in Significant source of pollution They say the sewage outlet services about half of Hout Bay's population, making it a significant source of chemical and microbial contamination. The Hout Bay River also carries pollutants into the bay, but the design and operation of the sewage outlet itself contribute heavily to the problem. The situation poses both ecological and potential human health risks if contaminated mussels and other shellfish are eaten. That the bay lies in a marine protected area makes the findings particularly concerning for conservation efforts. Beyond environmental damage, the research points to wider public health implications, including the possible spread of antimicrobial resistance through contaminated marine environments. 'We urgently need to understand whether faecal coliforms in Hout Bay are carrying antimicrobial resistance genes,' Ojemaye said. 'If so, this could have consequences for human health that extend far beyond our coastlines.' The study calls for a multi-pronged response, including investment in upgraded wastewater treatment, reduction of harmful chemical usage and stronger regulations on pollutant discharge. This is especially critical in light of issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw increased chemical use, and the ongoing energy crisis, which affects wastewater management. Outdated, harmful Globally, marine outlets are increasingly recognised as outdated and environmentally harmful, the scientists said, and replacing them with land-based treatment facilities should be a priority. Such systems can remove pollutants more effectively as well as produce renewable energy and recover valuable resources from wastewater. 'Hout Bay's pollution problem is not unique, but it is urgent,' Green said. 'This is an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. With the right technologies and political will, we can turn wastewater from a hazard into a resource.' The research team emphasised that although further studies are needed to map the pollution zone's full extent and understand the risks of consuming contaminated seafood, mitigation measures should begin without delay. 'This is not just about science; it's about protecting livelihoods, ecosystems and the health of our communities. If we wait until the damage is irreversible, it will be too late.' The study is a wake-up call for Cape Town, Green said, urging policymakers and the public to face the uncomfortable truth that the city's marine environment is absorbing the cost of inadequate wastewater management. 'Without urgent intervention, the toxic tide will keep rising.' City of Cape Town's response The difficulty of the removal of PPCPs from wastewater is not unique to Hout Bay or to Cape Town, said 'Advanced treatment technologies such as ozonation, reverse osmosis and membrane filtration can be used to remove some CECs [contaminants of emerging concern], but implementation of these technologies can be expensive and energy intensive and is not always a practical option at scale. Even our most sophisticated newly upgraded wastewater treatment works cannot treat wastewater in a manner that removes all traces of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants of emerging concern.' The city recently undertook a feasibility study to explore the options for replacing its marine sewage pipelines with new wastewater treatment works, but no decision has yet been made on when this will happen. 'We must acknowledge though that Cape Town has many underserviced areas requiring the provision and upgrading of basic services, and must weigh up the prioritisation of limited funding in this context. Marine outfalls In 2024, the city commissioned independent experts for its The findings are presented quarterly to a publicly accessible permit advisory forum established by the city in April last year, Andrews said. The first annual report on these studies is expected towards the end of the year. 'This programme builds on decades of monitoring by the city of the environmental impacts of the outfalls, all of which is comprehensively reported on in documentation available on the city's 'Respectfully, the authors of the study appear to be doing no more than speculating when they state that the marine outfall does not achieve the dilution and dispersal of contaminants of emerging concern. Their work did not include an analysis of PPCPs in effluent, river water or in coastal waters and analysed only mussels found in situ in the coastal environment.' Andrews said the UCT study 'cannot draw conclusions' about the source of the contaminants or the extent of the impact zone of the sewage outlet, nor the effectiveness of its design, based on the methods and results presented. 'What we do know is that the impacts of wastewater discharge, whether it occurs intentionally or due to spills, are far more acute in freshwater systems with very small volumes, than they are in the highly dynamic offshore environment when dispersion and dilution take place after discharge through an outfall diffuser,' he said. 'We have commissioned extensive research that we hope will provide greater insight into the questions raised here about the long-term impacts of marine wastewater disposal.' The city will 'act on reliable data and findings', he said. 'To date, the extensive scientific work undertaken has not demonstrated a significant negative impact. The 2024 marine outfalls environmental monitoring programme is very comprehensive and incorporates the assessment of hundreds of parameters, including several new components not previously forming part of routine assessments.' Very poor state The city acknowledges that the Hout Bay River is in a very poor state because of pollution from a variety of sources, Andrews said. It receives flows from a catchment of about 37 square kilometres, which includes natural upper slopes in the Table Mountain National Park, formal residential areas and smallholdings on both sides of the Hout Bay River, formal housing with backyard dwellers in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg areas, and informal dwellings in Imizamo Yethu, which includes a fairly large informal settlement with limited services. The potential health risks associated with swimming in the sea near river mouths or stormwater outflows, even in summer and especially after rainfall, are signposted on the Hout Bay Beach and communicated to the public and beach users. The city concurs with the study's authors that further research into the accumulation of pharmaceutical compounds by bivalves in a marine protected area is needed, and note its environmental monitoring programme for the sewage outlets includes such monitoring. 'Unfortunately the authors of the study made no effort to assess the risks posed by the pharmaceutical concentrations they determined, but simply stated that exposure would be 'harmful'. To determine the actual risk to consumers it is necessary to establish the amount of seafood that would have to be consumed to cause an exposure in excess of safe levels, Andrews said. 'As this was not undertaken and only the absolute concentrations are presented, it is simply not responsible or scientifically sound to conclude that this may result in harm.' 'It is also of some concern that the authors do not appear to have accounted for the age or size of the mussels sampled in their study — the rates of accumulation of these compounds may vary with age.' The city does not dispute the presence of CECs in mussels but 'requests that, and based on the sweeping claims and conclusions made — especially those made in relation to public health — the authors take more responsibility in their application and improvement of scientific rigour in terms of their analysis and interpretation of the results of the study'. The MMC for water and sanitation, These include unplanned densification in informal areas, leading to a significant increase in wastewater volumes beyond the original sewer system's capacity; illegal informal dwelling connections to the sewer network, which compromise the integrity of the infrastructure and stormwater-to-sewer cross-connections, implemented historically to reduce river pollution, which now also contribute to system overloading. The disposal of building rubble and general waste that cause blockages and spills, as well as structures built over sewers make routine maintenance difficult. The water and sanitation directorate has a regional team that focuses on sewer reticulation problems in Hout Bay, Badroodien said. This team has implemented a range of short, medium and long-term interventions. 'As part of a broader R1.25 billion investment in sanitation infrastructure this financial year, R355 million has been allocated for sewer pipe replacements and R241 million for pump station upgrades across Cape Town,' he said. 'Through this combined infrastructure and behaviour-change approach, the city aims to significantly reduce sewer spills and associated pollution into the Hout Bay River and adjacent marine environment.'
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Mail & Guardian
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But, says Susan Cleary, a health economist and head of the School of Public Health at the University of Cape Town, the measures defined in these scorecards make it 'almost impossible' for an establishment to pass the test. Scoring a facility's service quality according to measures they have little control over is unfair, she says. 'The last thing you want to do is give people a job that's impossible to do.' Yet, given the way the inspection system tests whether a facility complies with each of the 'Is it then really a question of what the quality of service is,' she asks, 'or is it a question of what is being measured?' In a series of analyses, we're diving into the OHSC's inspection reports to get a sense of what the benchmarks are — and what they say about the state of affairs at clinics, community health centres (CHCs) and hospitals. In this first story, we're looking only at the public health sector — not because we think things are perfect in private establishments, but because with And as with getting universal health coverage in place, we have to start somewhere. Come with us as we look at the numbers. The lay of the land South Africa has 3 741 public health facilities, of which about 90% are clinics and CHCs. Hospitals make up the remaining 10%. Because the different facilities offer different services, the detailed list of requirements they have to meet doesn't look the same for each place — although they all have to adhere to the same broad set of 23 standards. For example, four For this reason, one day is budgeted for Counting and compliance Between 2019 and 2023, the OHSC inspected 3 093 public health facilities — about 83% of the total to be assessed. Scores for the last 17% — 648 facilities — are still outstanding. (The latest inspection results Getting to every health facility in the country is a mammoth task. For example, 734 inspections in 2023 works out to two a day — and with But the task seems even more overwhelming when the compliance rate is added into the mix. In 2022 (the latest year for which results are available), only four out of 10 public facilities passed the test and so have to be re-inspected later, meaning that the backlog builds. To be rated as compliant, a facility has to get full marks for a set of so-called non-negotiable measures — things the It's an unfeasible system, Cleary says. 'I think that's a large part of what's happened to our public sectors. [People] get given unfunded mandates all the time. But just because a standard has been set unrealistically high, it doesn't mean that [service] quality is terrible; it may simply mean that hitting the bar is unaffordable given the money or staff available.' Star struck or star stuck? If we convert public health facilities' compliance rates to a star rating — like you'd give a service provider on an online review — no province got more than three stars in 2022. Looking at these results, it seems that, at best, three out of five facilities would make the cut — and it happens only in Gauteng. In KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, chances are that every second facility might meet the OHSC's list of requirements, with the other provinces struggling to get more than one out of five facilities compliant. In fact, in the Northern Cape and Limpopo, so few of the inspected facilities could pass the assessments that their scores wouldn't even translate to a single star. But these are the results on paper — and likely give a warped picture of what is happening in practice because of the way performance is measured. A trimmed list of requirements — 'something that 90–95% of facilities can actually meet' — could give a more realistic view, says Cleary. This doesn't mean compromising on quality, but rather that decision-makers have to think more carefully about what the priorities really are. 'It's partly a matter of 'cutting your coat according to your cloth',' she says and working from there to improve step by step — with the money to make it happen. Says Cleary: 'We have to let go of this idea that we can have everything and that it all has to be perfect otherwise it's not good enough.' Stats that are shocking Something like the non-negotiable measures in the OHSC's scorecards could give a fairer idea of what healthcare quality really looks like. These are three things a clinic has to have in place to make the grade; the same three things in the emergency, obstetrics and clinical services units of a CHC and eight things in a hospital. They cover only statements related to handling a medical emergency, having a system in place for supplying lifesaving medical gas (like oxygen) to patients and getting patients' consent the right way. Viewing the quality of public healthcare from this angle really does paint a shocking picture — and could give decision-makers a concrete place to start to get to grips with claims of inadequate service. In 2022, only two provinces — Gauteng and the Western Cape — managed to have these minimum lifesaving measures in place in at least seven out of 10 clinics and CHCs and half the district hospitals inspected. (We didn't include regional hospitals in our analysis because at most two of these were assessed in a province. A score of, say, 50% would therefore not have been a fair reflection of reality.) In two other provinces — Mpumalanga and North West — half of either clinics or CHCs met these minimum requirements. The other provinces didn't come close. The health ombud's investigation Looking only at these measures, the This story was produced by the . Sign up for the .
Mail & Guardian
5 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
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Dr Jeniffer Molwantwa, Chief Executive Officer: Water Research Commission In the water-scarce landscapes of Giyani, Limpopo Province, climate change poses a severe threat to rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity. Increasing droughts and erratic rainfall have intensified water scarcity, jeopardising food security and economic stability for local communities. For years, Giyani has been described as being 'permanently on 'Day Zero'', underscoring the critical need for sustainable water solutions. This relentless pressure impacts the marginalised, the rural poor, and often creates further gender imbalances, exacerbating existing socio-economic vulnerabilities. In response, the Water Research Commission (WRC), with financial backing from the Government of Flanders, launched the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) in 2022. This initiative delivers innovative, sustainable water solutions tailored to local needs. The programme empowers communities by improving access to reliable water sources while promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. Through the strategic implementation of solar-powered boreholes, advanced hydroponic farming techniques, and smart irrigation systems, the GLSCRP addresses the dual challenges of acute water scarcity and profound climate vulnerability. By uniting government partners, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector actors, the initiative fosters a framework for collaborative climate resilience. Its foundation rests on scientific research, deep community engagement, and a strong commitment to local ownership. WRC CEO Dr Jennifer Molwantwa reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to research-led, community-driven solutions, stating, 'This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when science, community knowledge, and strategic partnerships come together. It's not just about providing water, it's about restoring dignity, supporting livelihoods, and building climate resilience from the ground up. It's about securing a sustainable future for generations to come. By investing in people, innovation, and collaboration, we are laying the foundation for long-term water security and climate adaptation that endures well beyond the life of this project.' As climate pressures intensify across South Africa, the GLSCRP stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that community-driven water innovation can indeed drive sustainable development, enhance food security, and build a resilient future for Giyani and beyond. Its integrated approach serves as a national model for addressing climate change impacts in vulnerable rural areas, providing tangible results and inspiring widespread adoption. Collaborative Partnerships Driving Community Water Security The profound success of the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) is intrinsically rooted in a robust and dynamic partnership framework that has brought together multiple committed stakeholders. The Water Research Commission (WRC) has played a pivotal coordinating role, orchestrating efforts with the Government of Flanders – the key financial enabler – and a consortium of dedicated implementing partners. These include the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD), Tsogang Water and Sanitation, the University of the Western Cape, and the TTO Enterprise Development Programme. These partnerships extend deeply into local governance and traditional structures, involving local municipalities such as the Mopani District Municipality and the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, as well as traditional leadership structures, notably the Dzumeri Traditional Council. This comprehensive network fosters genuine community ownership through inclusive engagement, targeted training, and capacity-building initiatives that empower local farmers, women, and youth. A key component of this institutional sustainability has been the formalisation of partnerships via Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the WRC and various governmental bodies, including the Limpopo Provincial Government. Joseph Phasha, from the Department of Water and Sanitation, emphasised these crucial linkages and national significance. Mopani District Executive Mayor Pule Shayi expressed profound gratitude, stating that, 'This project is about more than infrastructure; it's about humanity reimagined and restoring dignity to our people.' He also highlighted the district's allocation of over R171 million for water infrastructure. Councillor GA Maluleke, of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, underscored the WRC's indispensable role in bridging crisis and solution. Thomas Castrel of the Government of Flanders, highlighted the importance of strategic funding: 'Financing is not just about infrastructure, it's about investing in people, in ideas, and in resilience that endures.' Empowering Farmers, Women, and Youth Through Climate Resilience At the very heart of the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) lies a profound commitment to empowering local farmers, with a special emphasis on women and youth cooperatives. This initiative has transformed countless lives, most notably that of Sasavona Delina Ngamba, a retired teacher from Ndhambi Village under the Dzumeri Traditional Council. Her remarkable journey from struggle to resounding success epitomises the transformative impact of the programme. Ngamba's farming venture began in 2016, following her retirement from teaching and her husband's early retirement due to health issues. While her initial plan was to care for her husband, she soon felt a compelling urge to farm, recognising its potential to build a family legacy and ensure food security for her community. Her 10-hectare farm at Ndhambi presented immense challenges, particularly the arduous task of manually carrying water from a single borehole to the fields, a cumbersome and exhausting practice that severely limited productivity. In 2022, 'out of the blue,' representatives from the Water Research Commission arrived at her farm. They interviewed her about her operations and sought her input on how to best improve her farming practices. Ngamba, though initially sceptical, cooperated fully. The WRC and its implementing agents – Tsogang Water and Sanitation, AWARD, UWC, and TTO Enterprise Development – intervened decisively. They built a new reservoir, refurbished the existing borehole, installed a modern solar system to power the water supply, and introduced cutting-edge hydroponics technology. This comprehensive support drastically reduced her manual labour and significantly increased water availability and efficiency, enabling year-round cultivation. Beyond infrastructure, the GLSCRP provided invaluable skills training. Ngamba received extensive education in water management, entrepreneurship, and climate-smart agriculture tailored to local conditions. 'This programme didn't just change my farm, it changed my life. With the skills and support I received, I'm now growing crops sustainably and empowering my community,' expressed Ngamba, highlighting the holistic impact of the intervention. Her farm, Matsambo Ngamba Farm, now produces a diverse range of crops including tomatoes, ochre, and other vegetables, employing six local individuals in addition to her son, Lucky, who ensures continuity. Ngamba's transformation has been so profound that she is now a recognised force in the farming sector. In 2023, she achieved third place in the prestigious Giyani Female Farmer of the Year Competition, and in 2024, she emerged as the reigning Giyani Farmer of the Year, a testament to her dedication and the programme's effectiveness. Her success has also translated into significant market opportunities: she has secured supply deals with major retailers such as Spar, Pep, Boxer, and Kgotsiame, and also sells her produce in Gauteng. This market access provides sustainable revenue streams and incentivises further innovation and productivity. The programme's broader emphasis on inclusive participation ensures that women and youth cooperatives receive dedicated support to build technical skills and leadership capacity, enabling them to independently operate water infrastructure and manage agribusinesses. These groups are not only vital food producers but are also emerging entrepreneurs and decision-makers shaping a resilient agricultural sector in the Mopani District. By fostering women's leadership and engaging youth as active climate stewards, the GLSCRP ensures that the benefits of water security and climate adaptation are equitably shared and sustained. Training workshops cover diverse topics, including water conservation techniques, hydroponics, solar pump maintenance, and effective market access strategies, equipping all beneficiaries with the tools necessary to thrive amidst climatic uncertainties. Ngamba's inspiring journey exemplifies how targeted empowerment initiatives effectively create jobs, enhance food security, and inspire a new generation of farmers to become resilient leaders within their communities. Through sustained capacity building and profound community ownership, the GLSCRP is laying a robust foundation for a thriving, climate-resilient future driven by empowered local actors. As Ngamba aptly put it, 'To all the stakeholders, I do not have words to thank you. You invested in the right project as our aim is to provide food security to the community.' Councillor GA Maluleke also praised Ngamba's initiative, noting, 'The government needs people who embark on projects, especially in agriculture to ensure food security. We are going to assist each other going forward because what you are doing is what the government wants – creating jobs.' Women cooperative members from rural Giyani pack harvested produce as part of the climate-resilient agricultural initiative Innovative Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Agriculture Solutions The Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) has been instrumental in introducing and implementing cutting-edge water infrastructure and agricultural technologies, directly addressing chronic water scarcity and climate variability. Central to these significant advancements are the solar-powered boreholes, which provide a reliable and renewable energy source for water pumping. This innovation drastically reduces dependence on erratic electricity supply, lowers operational costs, and ensures consistent water availability, even in remote rural areas. Complementing this, the refurbishment of existing boreholes and water reservoirs has substantially improved water storage capacity and distribution efficiency, ensuring continuous access for both domestic use and irrigation. Smart irrigation systems, including advanced drip and precision irrigation technologies, have been widely adopted to optimize water use. These systems deliver precise amounts of water directly to crops, significantly reducing waste, conserving precious resources, and substantially improving agricultural yields. Furthermore, decentralized water treatment units have been installed to ensure clean and safe water for both agricultural and sanitation needs at the community level, directly supporting enhanced food security and improved public health outcomes. The integration of these renewable energy-powered water systems with highly efficient irrigation has dramatically enhanced the region's resilience against climate fluctuations. These technological interventions have transformed local agriculture, enabling farmers to cultivate crops year-round despite challenging weather conditions, thereby boosting local economies and improving livelihoods across the Mopani District. A prime example of this infrastructural transformation is the Mbhedle Community Water Scheme, also operating under the Dzumeri Traditional Council. This scheme is a testament to the power of community-WRC partnership, designed to alleviate the severe effects of water scarcity on over 500 impoverished households. Mackson Mabunda, the project chairperson for the Mbhedle scheme, vividly described the dire situation before the WRC's intervention: 'Water scarcity was the norm until the Water Research Commission touched the village to make a difference. Before WRC's arrival, the village experienced serious water challenges. There was hardly any drinking water as we relied on one borehole which was propelled by a generator, and when it broke down, there was nothing for the community.' He further explained that the WRC, through its implementing agent Tsogang, delivered fifteen 10,000-litre water tanks, all linked to a new solar system, ensuring a resilient and sustainable water supply. The handover involved formal agreements with communities on the critical aspects of operation and maintenance of this new infrastructure, empowering them with ownership. The WRC's approach prioritised community participation throughout the project lifecycle. Mabunda noted, 'They did not want to bring new facilities where others are existing; they refurbish them. They only brought new facilities that were not there.' This philosophy ensured that resources were efficiently used and community assets were enhanced. Beyond the Mbhedle scheme, the project also refurbished a critical cattle trough and a dam, while a 5,000-litre water tank was provided to an individual farmer. Community members actively participated in various workshops, gaining essential knowledge and skills in water conservation techniques, water quality testing, and the effective use and maintenance of the new tools and infrastructure provided. Nwa Baloyi, a resident, proudly stated that the Water Research Commission had fundamentally transformed her village, creating numerous job opportunities by drawing the necessary workforce directly from the local community. Key innovations implemented across the programme include solar-powered boreholes, water reservoirs, smart irrigation systems and decentralised water treatment. Together, these integrated innovations have ensured a consistent and reliable water supply, markedly improved agricultural output, and contributed significantly to long-term climate resilience throughout the Giyani region. The projects have now been officially handed over to the Greater Giyani Municipality and Mopani District Municipality, who will serve as the primary water authorities. Economic and Social Outcomes: From Water Scarcity to Market Opportunities The Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) has catalysed economic and social transformation across Mopani District, addressing water scarcity and fostering entrepreneurship. It supported the establishment of over 20 small businesses, creating vital jobs and driving community upliftment. Reliable water access through solar-powered boreholes and refurbished infrastructure enabled continuous farming, strengthening food security and boosting incomes. Enhanced market access achieved by beneficiary farmers and cooperatives is central to the programme's impact. Sasavona Delina Ngamba's Matsambo Ngamba Farm secured critical market linkages with national retailers such as Spar, Pep, Boxer, and Kgotsiame. These partnerships offer sustainable revenue streams, reduce farming risks, and enable small-scale farmers to shift from subsistence to commercial operations. Entrepreneurship, market linkages, and training in water conservation and quality testing have empowered women, youth, and communities with practical skills and self-reliance. Local workforce participation in project implementation further created jobs and built local capacity. The Mbhedle Community Water Scheme, which benefits over 500 households, demonstrates how improved water access enhances daily life, sanitation, and public health. This integrated approach fosters a vibrant rural economy, strengthened by social cohesion and a shared vision for a climate-resilient future. Despite notable progress, Giyani and similar regions still face climate-related challenges such as droughts, erratic rainfall, and ageing infrastructure, requiring sustained maintenance and adaptive management. The GLSCRP experience highlights that full climate resilience demands ongoing commitment and collaboration. Local municipalities, traditional authorities, and the Limpopo Provincial Government have pledged continued support. The Mopani District Municipality allocated over R171 million in its adjustment budget for water infrastructure, focusing on boreholes and their operation and maintenance. Mayor Pule Shayi affirmed, 'We accept the projects as handed over and we commit to work with our communities and cooperatives to ensure sustainability.' Scaling GLSCRP's model to other water-stressed regions will require greater collaboration between government, academia, the private sector, and communities. Increased investment in research-driven, locally adaptable solutions is essential. Strengthening inclusive governance and empowering grassroots participation will be key to ensuring equitable access and long-term resilience. Community ownership and training remain critical to sustaining progress beyond initial funding. The Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme stands as a testament to how innovation, partnerships, and strong local leadership can create a sustainable, dignified future. Its continued success depends on enduring collaboration, investment, and a shared vision for water security for all.
