South Africa’s water crisis is no longer a distant threat—it is here. With a growing population, failing infrastructure, pollution, and climate change all placing immense pressure on the country’s water supply, solutions must be both innovative and sustainable.
While science and technology are crucial in addressing these challenges, there is an often-overlooked source of wisdom that has stood the test of time: indigenous knowledge. Across the African continent, traditional water management practices have sustained communities for centuries. Now, experts are recognising the value of integrating these time-honoured strategies with modern solutions to build a more resilient water future.
Indigenous Knowledge: A Lost Resource?
“One of colonialism’s lasting legacies is the erasure of indigenous knowledge as a valid source of information,” says Professor Bongani Ncube, SARChI Chair in Governance and Economics of Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions.
Despite this, many rural communities in South Africa continue to manage water through traditional methods. Rhulani Shingwenyana, a senior researcher in water at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), explains:
“There is a real need to explore all possible solutions to solve our water challenges. Indigenous people have been looking after their water for generations—so why not learn from them?”
Unlike modern, large-scale water governance models, indigenous systems are often localised and community-driven. Practices such as communal water councils—where local leaders oversee the fair distribution and sustainable use of water—have long been used in rural areas. In some cases, these councils implement rationing and conservation measures similar to the water restrictions currently being enforced in Johannesburg.
This shift in thinking is gaining traction. Both the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) are actively exploring ways to incorporate traditional knowledge into water management policies.
The State of Water in South Africa
To understand why a multi-pronged approach is necessary, we must first acknowledge the seriousness of South Africa’s water crisis:
- South Africa is a water-scarce country, receiving an average annual rainfall of only 464mm—significantly below the global average of 860mm.
- The country’s per capita water consumption is 218 litres per day, well above the international average of 173 litres per day.
- Approximately 5% of South Africa’s population (about 3 million people) lack daily access to safe water.
- Pollution, illegal connections, non-payment, and ageing infrastructure are all exacerbating supply challenges in major urban centres like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
In response to these issues, organisations are broadening their approach, recognising that there is no single solution to the water crisis. This is where indigenous knowledge comes into play.
How Indigenous Knowledge Can Help
The protection of natural water sources is a key aspect of traditional African water management. For centuries, communities have maintained wetlands, rivers, and springs through cultural and spiritual practices that discourage pollution and overuse.
A case in point is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal, where local communities collaborate with conservationists to protect water resources. This partnership-driven approach aligns with the principles of the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge Act of 2019, which seeks to safeguard and integrate traditional knowledge into national strategies.
Petunia Ramunenyiwa, Chief Director of IGR Sector Transformation at DWS, emphasises the importance of involving communities in water projects:
“Actively engaging communities in projects that directly affect them has led to significant success. Who better than the people living in these areas to understand the challenges they face and how best to manage water sustainably?”
This mindset is also influencing skills development in the water sector. Mpho Mookapele, CEO of EWSETA, explains:
“Our goal is to equip professionals in the sector with the necessary tools to thrive. By recognising the importance of community engagement, we can integrate this into our training and capacity-building efforts.”
A Science-Driven but People-Centred Approach
If modern science offers some of the best solutions, why include indigenous knowledge?
The answer is simple: water is not just a technical issue—it is a human one. While scientific advancements play a critical role in water security, dismissing centuries of practical, community-based knowledge would be shortsighted.
Furthermore, a truly scientific approach should evaluate all available information rather than discarding indigenous wisdom outright. As Sylvain Usher, an advisor to the African Water and Sanitation Association, points out:
“Africa’s long history of water management shows that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Traditional knowledge is just as valuable as scientific methods in shaping a sustainable future.”
Looking Ahead: A Water-Secure Future for South Africa
South Africa’s water challenges will not be solved overnight, but integrating indigenous knowledge with modern science could be a powerful step towards a more sustainable future. The country’s water professionals, engineers, and policymakers are already working tirelessly to address these issues—but the conversation must remain open to every possible solution.
By respecting, learning from, and incorporating indigenous water wisdom, we can reshape our relationship with water—ensuring that both present and future generations have access to this most essential resource.
