As we celebrate Water Month and Human Rights Month, the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) is alarmed by the continued pollution of water sources by communities, municipalities, the agricultural sector, and industries such as mining.
Pollution increases the cost of water purification, leading to high water purification costs and affecting affordability and sustainability. AWSISA supports Water Anti-Pollution Forum established by the Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable Pemmy Majodina, and calls for decisive action against polluters. Municipalities must also comply with legislated standards for wastewater disposal and employ qualified water professionals to ensure proper sanitation management. Poor water quality impacts negatively on human health, threatens downstream irrigation areas and food security. Thus, deterioration of water quality cannot be separated from human rights.
Poor water quality impacts negatively on economic development, health management and biodiversity conservation. AWSISA firmly believes that good quality water is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Road to Achieving SDG 6
South Africa has the capacity to lead the continent in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation. The upcoming G20 Summit presents an opportunity to demonstrate progress in this critical area.
A Call to Action
AWSISA urges:
- Government agencies to align policies and investments to secure long-term water sustainability.
- Businesses and communities to adopt water-saving practices and invest in private water storage solutions.
- Municipalities and water boards to commit to transparent, accountable, and sustainable water management practices.
- Partnership between citizens and government to develop anti-pollution campaigns.
- Anti-pollution campaigns should be led from the top, that is by the President, Premiers, Mayors, community leaders, etc.
- Municipalities should enforce bylaws to stop pollution.
- Department of Human Settlement lack of effective planning, migration, illegal land occupations, etc contribute to pollution. The Department must play an active role in preventing pollution.
- Polluters must be prosecuted. There is therefore a need for effectiveness of enforcement and the judiciary.
- Community initiatives, like Alexander Water Warriors and others must be supported financially and with relevant resources by municipalities, private sector and other government institutions.
Access to clean water is an integral part of our human rights. AWSISA is committed to driving change and will continue advocating for practical solutions. AWSISA will be hosting the AWSISA Africa & Global South Water Dialogue 2025, from 9 to 12 November 2025, at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park. Gauteng to discuss solutions to resolve amongst others, water insecurity, measures to combat water and environmental pollution and many related topics. Water security is a collective responsibility, and water is the source of life. Water is a constitutional right and water is life. The time for action is now.
