Brief Synopsis

When rivers run dry, it reminds all of us that water does not come from the tap. It is for this reason that government, business and civil society initiated the Clear Rivers campaign in 2016.

Mandela Day is commemorated annually on 18 July. With volunteerism being central to the Mandela Day, the Department of Water and Sanitation initiated the Clear Rivers Campaign aimed at encouraging communities to take care of the water resources, rivers and streams close to their residential areas. The campaign is run throughout the Month of July. The 2025 Clear Rivers Campaign theme is "South Africa is a water-scarce country, clean up and protect our water resources."

Background

South Africa is a water-scarce country and rated the 30th driest in the world; with a rapidly increasing population. This is based on its average rainfall of 500mm compared to the world average of 860mm.

South Africa's rainfall is unpredictable and common periods of drought limit the water resources even further. Rivers that used to flow throughout the year are now dry, while others flow only during rainy seasons. Years from now, the demand for water might exceed the amount of available water in our country. This means that we must use and share our water more effectively.

The health of the rivers in our country is threatened by excessive use of the water and the riverbanks. If we pollute the river in one place, we affect the condition of the river for a long distance downstream. A river performs functions such as the ability to clean itself best, when it is healthy.

Therefore, active and responsible citizenry is encouraged across a spectrum where people from all walks of life become participants in promoting healthy rivers. The relationship between communities and healthy rivers can never be overstated, as it is community members who must take care of our rivers to ensure that they are not filtered with filthy litter.

The need for water security, particularly in the face of global climate change and a multitude of anthropogenic impacts affecting our rivers, calls for a national and unified approach to protect our rivers, wetlands and broader catchments.

In this way all people can benefit from the added-value products of healthy rivers and can have access to clean water for basic human needs.

The Adopt-a-River programme was launched in response to a question raised in Parliament regarding the health and usability of South Africa's rivers. In a show of commitment to protecting the country's water resources, several Members of Parliament pledged to "adopt" specific rivers and act as their patrons.

South Africa, being a semi-arid country with unpredictable rainfall patterns and high evaporation rates, faces increasing pressure on its limited water resources due to population growth and economic development. Ensuring the sustainable use of these natural resources requires the effective management of both water quality and quantity, as well as broader environmental conservation efforts. Achieving this goal depends on integrated natural resource management and active participation from all stakeholders ranging from government bodies to local communities and individuals. The ultimate success of the programme will be reflected in positive behavioural changes toward the protection and responsible management of water resources.

Over the years, the Department has been mobilising all sectors of society to join hands in large numbers and go out to clean our rivers and streams. The Department still calls out communities, corporate sector and civil society organisation to go out in their respective communities to clean and also prevent pollution of rivers and stream.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CAMPAIGN

• The objective of the Clear Rivers campaign is to undertake a collaborative effort and actively engage communities as well as promote and create ongoing awareness and education on protecting our water resources.
• Fostering volunteerism among communities is actively encouraged as part of a proactive approach to protect our rivers, streams, wetlands and other water ecosystems
• To sustainably integrate the goals of aquatic ecosystem health, economic development, public health, and the interconnected use of land and water resources.
• To raise awareness of nearby water resources such as rivers, wetlands, dams, springs, groundwater, and estuaries and to encourage community involvement in their monitoring and protection.
• To support the collection of citizen science data through volunteer participation, thereby assisting water resource management bodies including Catchment Management Agencies, Water User Associations, local authorities, and other interested stakeholders in understanding, promoting, and implementing targeted interventions

The envisaged outcomes of the campaign seek to ensure the following: