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South Africa is facing a growing water crisis. Climate change, ageing infrastructure, pollution, and unequal access are putting intense pressure on the country’s water systems.

Across South Africa, natural springs are more than sources of freshwater.

After the UK’s hottest ever summer on record, when much of the country has experienced a fraction of its normal levels of rain, many regions continue to be in drought.

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Groundwater has often been seen as the underground resource that never runs out. This “out of sight out of mind” attitude means wells and boreholes are indiscriminately sunk and that groundwater is abused by the public and even by governments. This is exacerbated in times of drought and even more pronounced in arid areas.

Water stored in dams and reservoirs for humans to use often evaporates, especially in hot regions like southern Africa. 

South Africa’s commercial farming sector is still shaped by the legacy of slavery, colonialism and apartheid. Black South Africans make up more than 80% of the population. But most commercial farms are still owned by a relatively small number of white farmers.