By Tumi Makgobotloane
As the world marked World Water Day on 22 March 2026, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Petros Masilela reminded communities of the critical link between water access and equality. Speaking under this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” the mayor emphasized that water is not just a basic need, but a shared responsibility that affects livelihoods, dignity, and development.
The mayor’s message highlighted a reality often overlooked, that women and girls continue to bear the greatest burden when access to water and sanitation is limited. His call for collective responsibility, urging men, women, boys and girls to work together in managing water resources, is both timely and necessary.
However, this message comes at a time when many communites across South Africa are grappling with a worsening water crisis. From prolonged outages to failing infrastructure and drought conditions, communities are increasingly facing the harsh reality of water scarcity. In some areas, residents go days without reliable supply, exposing the gap between awareness campaigns and lived experiences.
World Water Day serves as a reminder, but also a call to action. While awareness is important, urgent and sustainable interventions are needed to address the country’s water challenges. Investment in infrastructure, improved maintenance, and stronger governance are essential to ensure that access to clean water is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right.
As the mayor rightly pointed out, water is a scarce resource.
The current crisis reinforces the message that beyond commemoration, protecting and preserving water must become a daily priority for both government and citizens alike.
