AfriForum Battles Against "Water Mafia" to Secure South Africa's Water Systems

Amid the escalating crisis of water infrastructure vandalism in South Africa, citizen-led organization AfriForum has taken a firm stance against the so-called "water mafia," proving to be an indispensable ally in the fight for water security. The criminal syndicates, known for extortion and damaging vital water infrastructure, have placed an already water-stressed nation in a precarious position.

AfriForum's approach is multifaceted and forward-thinking, realizing that the government's current strategies are insufficient. The organization has demonstrated tangible success within the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. By investing in security apparatus, such as surveillance cameras at water reservoirs, AfriForum has fortified these critical assets against potential vandalism, leading to numerous arrests.

In a country where drought and water scarcity are ever-looming threats, the repercussions of such criminality extend far beyond financial concerns—they strike at the heart of community health and stability. According to Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum's Manager for Environmental Affairs, the Gauteng province has already spent over R2 billion on water tankers over the past five years—a mere Band-Aid over a gaping wound that fails to provide sustainable solutions.

The organization points out that these funds could be more judiciously invested in reinforcing and upgrading water infrastructure, rather than lining the pockets of criminal cartels who have, through nefarious means, secured lucrative deals often at the expense of the water quality supplied to the communities.

Calling upon the Department of Water and Sanitation, as well as the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), AfriForum insists on stringent regulations and vetting procedures for independents providing water services, like those out of water tankers. This measure could significantly diminish the influence of corrupt entities in the water supply sector.

With over 160 branches and neighborhood watches nationwide, AfriForum is positioned not only to suggest solutions but to actively participate in their execution. The organization proposes collaborating with the government, communities, and the private sector to foster sustainable water management approaches.

Shouldering its share of responsibility, AfriForum also envisions its neighborhood watches playing a pivotal role in overseeing local water supplies to discourage and prevent further vandalism.

AfriForum’s proactive stance embodies a call to action for shared responsibility, with a focus on grassroots involvement and strict governmental oversight, aiming to disentangle the community's lifelines from the grasp of the water mafia.