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The clear rivers campaign, an initiative of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with its partners has to date managed to clear over fifty rivers of pollution.

The ultimate goal of the campaign is to foster communities that are actively involved and engaged in the management of water resources in the country, as well as communities that are water savvy and environmentally conscious.

Given that the country is also gripped by one of the worst droughts in decades, there has never been a more important time to remind South Africans that water does not originate from the tap and that clearing our freshwater ecosystems is a responsibility of everyone living in South Africa.

Through a collaborative effort, communities, departmental officials from regional and national offices, the private sector and other sectors of society have dedicated their time to cleaning the rivers and are engaged around the need to protect and efficiently use water resources.

Some of the rivers cleaned included the Ngwanele River, Kuils River, Luvuvhu River, Siza River, Qumbu River, Molopo River, Orange River and the Moreleta River, to name but a few.

During Mandela Day celebrations Minister Nomvula Mokonyane cleaned the Jukskei River in Alexandra and the Deputy Minister Ms Pamela Tshwete paid tribute to former President Nelson Mandela by dedicating time to clean the Mzingwenya River, Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal.

Rivers are the assets of a nation and water security is therefore critical for the country and its population. The department has therefore adopted a premise that healthy rivers allow for a healthy nation.

The month long campaign is not yet over and still affords other citizens to join in and make a difference to the upkeep of the environment. Others have already pledged their support through #Wen`ulindeni.

Issued by Department of Water and Sanitation