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Chapter 1: Water Resources
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WETLANDS
REHABILITATED
THE FUTURE
Managing our landscapes that give us water
We have some critical starting points for success when it comes to the
management of our water resources. Catchment Management Agencies
(CMAs) are being developed to ensure coordinated planning for water security.
At the highest level, South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) recognises
water scarcity as a binding constraint to national development. This highlights the
importance of carefully managing this limited resource.
Working for Water
Working for Water, which focuses on the control of invasive alien plants, was the first
programme to be established in 1995 as part of the Natural Resource Management
(NRM) Programmes of the Department of Environmental Affairs (then the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry). The NRM programme now also includes
Working on Fire, Working for Wetlands, Working for Ecosystems and Working for
Forests. These programmes have provided years of work to 51 300 people (over the
last 3 years), with particular focus on women and youth.
WATER LOST TO INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS
The thirsty invaders
Invasive alien trees and shrubs often use more water than surrounding indigenous
vegetation and this lowers water availability by up to 4%. If left to spread
uncontrolled, this figure could escalate to around 16%. Invasive alien plants can
dramatically reduce available water resources, with significant impact on stream
flows, and the associated increase in siltation and degrading water quality.
Creating value out of ‘waste’ wood
There are several clearing programmes, both government and private, that are
attempting to eradicate alien plants countrywide. But once the wood is cut down it is
often left behind, causing damage to river systems in flood and posing a fire risk.
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12 | Water Facts & Futures: Rethinking South Africa’s Water Future