South Africa’s water supply is under threat. Hordes of invasive trees are draining the water supply dry and leaving communities and farmers vulnerable. But there are heroes out there who are on the front lines of this war for SA’s water.
In Waboomskraal and Herold just outside of George, the South African Breweries (SAB) partnered with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF-SA) and The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in 2016 to eradicate invasive plant species and ensure water security for the local communities and the farmers who these communities depend on. Today, these efforts have saved an estimated nine billion litres of water per year. For over five years, Rozanne Steyn at RS Environmental Services has been on the frontlines of this offensive. For her, these efforts not only provide people with food security by protecting the farmers, but she also says, “We are ensuring our water resources are used effectively and are being preserved. Water is life for our people and for the beautiful indigenous nature that surrounds us. We need to do everything we can to protect it.”
Steyn says invasive plant species consume much more water than indigenous plants and not only impact the direct farms but communities around Waboomskraal and Herold catchments. That is why Steyn has a dream to finally clear the river systems in the Waboomskraal and Herold areas, so the people down river, especially in drought-riddled areas like the Karoo, can be freed from the burden of water insecurity.
“We have been working with various stakeholders in the area to ensure that our work never stops,” says Steyn. “It is going to take many years, so consistent commitment is required from our partners.”
Thanks to partners like the WWF-SA and SAB, her efforts are sustained. Why SAB? Known as hops valley, the South Western Cape region is currently the only region on the continent that is suitable for growing the water intensive crop, hops – a vital ingredient in the process of brewing beer. By protecting the water security of the area, SAB can continue providing much needed business for the farmers in the area and strive towards its 2025 goal of measurably improving water availability and quality in high water risk areas.
As a local community member, Steyn believes in taking care of the local communities. This project not only saves water resources, but it also provides jobs and training for local community members. “Thanks to WWF-SA and SAB, we are able to help alleviate poverty in the area, which in return will help us tackle many socioeconomic problems in the area.”
Thanks to her success on the ground, and by fixing the problem at its literal root, Steyn has recently secured an additional R 350, 000 in funding from the brewer; which will enable her to train more community members, including a specialised High Altitude Team, and bolster her ranks on the ground.
