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Indigenous communities’ historical water conservation practices reflect a deep respect for nature In South Africa, water is both a constitutional right and a shared responsibility, writes Teslim Mohammed Yusuf, Executive – Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA). Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees access to sufficient water, placing the onus on the government to provide this basic service. However, our South African heritage and rich cultural diversity affords us the means to ensure that this Constitutional right is strengthened through indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) to address the growing water crisis in a contextual and sustainable manner. By going back to our roots and recognising and understanding the value of traditional water practices and contemporary governance, South Africa has the potential to better manage its precious water resources. The tension between the right to water and its responsible use has never been more pronounced. With recurring water scarcity due to climate change, pollution, droughts and ageing infrastructure, communities are often left without reliable access to clean water, while the government faces mounting pressure to meet the growing needs of citizens across the country. Whereas organisations such as the EWSETA and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) are working on enhancing skills development to improve the management and maintenance of infrastructures, these initiatives need to coexist with a sustainable cultural revolution. Deep rooted respect for natural resources Indigenous communities offer valuable lessons of local ecosystems and their dynamics, as their historical practices of water conservation reflect a deep respect for nature and the communal management of resources. For centuries, indigenous practices have prioritised sustainability. The amaHlubi of the Zulu people, for example, have long used rotational water access systems, ensuring that each family receives an equitable share of available water during periods of scarcity. The San people, renowned for their nomadic lifestyle in harsh desert environments, have traditionally relied on rainwater harvesting and shared water storage techniques to survive long periods without rainfall. These indigenous governance systems foster collective action, reinforcing the notion that water is a shared resource that must be managed responsibly by all. Applying water conservation methods from bygone eras Modern society tends to treat water as a commodity, but indigenous perspectives can help shift this view toward one of stewardship and communal responsibility. By blending these age-old practices with contemporary approaches to water management, South Africa can improve access, especially in rural and marginalised communities. While the government’s role is pivotal, citizens must also embrace their responsibility to use water sustainably, as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) suggests: “There is a corresponding responsibility on individuals and communities to use water resources efficiently and avoid wastage.” With increasing water scarcity, compounded by droughts and strained infrastructure, there is a need for a more holistic approach that combines indigenous practices with modern governance. Supporting this, institutions like the EWSETA play critical roles in capacitating stakeholders to ensure sustainable water use, conservation, and management. The integration of these indigenous systems, alongside institutional mechanisms, offers a comprehensive solution to managing South Africa’s water resources. Research into water sharing practices The Water Research Commission (WRC) is a vital entity in supporting water research and innovation. Its focus on generating knowledge and building capacity is central to addressing the country’s complex water challenges. By funding and supporting research into sustainable water use practices, the WRC aids in developing solutions tailored to local contexts, including rural and marginalised communities where access to water is most precarious. The WRC has been instrumental in exploring the potential of indigenous water management systems and their research into traditional practices, such as rainwater harvesting and community-driven water sharing, demonstrates the value of integrating indigenous knowledge into modern water governance frameworks. Furthermore, the WRC’s commitment to building local capacity ensures that communities are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage their water resources effectively, supporting the broader goals of the National Water Act (1998). The EWSETA plays a fundamental role in shaping the skills and competencies required in the water and sanitation sectors. Its skills development initiatives that address some of the findings of the Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop reports, demonstrate its commitment to enhancing water governance. These programmes are not only designed to encourage municipalities to maintain rigorous standards in both drinking water quality and wastewater management but also serve as benchmarks for best practice in the sector. |
