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Marikana residents (from left) Bonginkosi Mahlaba and his nieces, Mpilonhle Zitha and Ntoyenhle Mahlaba, push wheelbarrows to fetch water at Matshotshombeni section of the township, a kilometre away from the Marikana section where they live. (Photos: Bongane Motaung)

Sewage flows in streets as KZN township faces water crisis

For six months, Sithembile township in Glencoe has been struggling with water shortages

  • Des Erasmus
2 min read
A Rand Water team carries out planned maintenance at the Bergbron water utility in Johannesburg. (Supplied)

Urban water crisis deepens as poor infrastructure, shortages and unpaid bills take a toll

Maintaining infrastructure, fixing leaks and better information sharing are the first crucial steps to fixing the mess

  • Sheree Bega
16 min read
The borehole standpipe outside the Philangezwi daycare centre in Fakazi village, from which some of the residents get their water. (Tsoanelo Sefoloko)

eThekwini Ward 105 residents without running water for eight years

Residents say that since the area was shifted to the eThekwini municipality, water availability has worsened

  • Des Erasmus
3 min read
UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel and Chief Executive Officer of the WRC, Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, sign the MoU between the two institutions. The witnesses behind them are Dr Stanley Liphadzi (WRC), Dr Salmina Mokgethle (UMP), Dr Bongiwe Mcata (UMP), and Dr Naledi Nthite (UMP).

WRC and UMP sign water and sanitation MoU

The agreement will help Mpumalanga province find sustainable solutions to its water challenges

  • Derek Davey
13 min read
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

South Africans must embrace drinking treated sewage water or risk severe shortages

Failing infrastructure and increased demand means Gauteng residents may soon have to rely on treated sewage to quench their thirst

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read