Help clean precious water resources this Mandela Month

AS WE enter Mandela Month, it is virtually impossible for any conscious person not to reflect on the impact this world icon played in world politics and the emancipation of historically disadvantaged persons.

Over the years, he consistently denounced what would seem like a personal cult of some sort that had inadvertently suggested that he played a far superior role than that of his fellow liberation fighters.

He often said that the Struggle for freedom and justice was a collective effort thus recognising that he could never have brought democracy on his own; there were others who played significant roles. These included, but were not limited to, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Albert Luthuli, Lillian Ngoyi, Govan Mbeki and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The selfless heroes and heroines stood up and ensured we lived in a free South Africa with equal opportunities.

When Mandela Day was in its infancy in 2009, Mandela said they had played their part in changing what was unjust and it was in our hands to create a better world for all who lived in it.

“It is our hope that people will dedicate their time and effort to improve the conditions within their own communities,” he said.

Some people have suggested that every day should be Mandela Day, a day when people are selfless in their daily activities by making a significant impact on others and their surroundings.

What are you doing to improve the condition of your community? This is a question every responsible citizen should answer honestly.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is giving everyone a chance to do something that is affecting all of us in every sense. How clean is the river next to you? As part of Mandela Month, the department is embarking on its annual Clean Rivers Campaign, a call for a national and unified approach to protect our rivers, wetlands and broader catchments. This is a call for everyone to take part in the campaign and for people to make a meaningful change in their communities and be part of the solution.

An education drive is needed on why we must value water by cleaning our water resources.

One of the critical things that people must take into consideration is that the water in our taps is an end product; water does not originate in taps – it comes from our rivers and wetlands. Cleaning should start there.

The quality of a stream or river is often a good indication of the way of life within a community through which it flows. It is an indicator of the socio-economic conditions and environmental awareness and attitude of its users.

Everything that happens in a catchment area is reflected in the quality of the water that flows through it.

This is because the results of human activity and lifestyle ultimately end up in rivers, through run-off. A study conducted by the Water Research Commission revealed that dirty and polluted rivers can lead to the outbreak of cholera, shigella, salmonella and other harmful bacteria which could infect people who drink dirty water, cook with polluted water, irrigate food crops from dirty rivers or swimming or playing in them.

The objective of the Clean Rivers Campaign is to undertake a collaborative effort and actively engage communities.

Also, to promote and create ongoing awareness and education on protecting our water resources. Fostering volunteerism among communities is encouraged as part of a proactive approach to protecting our rivers, streams, wetlands and other water ecosystems, given the drought that persists in large parts of the country.

The envisaged outcomes of the campaign seek to ensure:

Environmentally conscious communities. Well-informed/ educated communities. Pollution-free rivers. We call on all South Africans from all walks of life and the private sector to join hands with the department and form part of this life-changing campaign as it is critical to our livelihoods. Clean rivers means that we will have quality water in our taps and our crops will be irrigated with clean and safe water.

Water is central to our lives and if our rivers are cleansed of any dirt, it means we will have healthy lives and food production will be enhanced, boosting our economy.

Let us not be spectators in our own communities, make Mandela Month a success by joining the campaign.

To view which river you can clean around you, visit http://www.dwa.gov. za/Clear-River2017/Doc/Clear%20Rivers_List.pdf