
Tap to turn: A resident of Hammanskraal is happy to turn on the taps at the new tanks
The youth have played an active role in the provision and maintenance of water infrastructure in the area
Precious Msimango
The community of Hammanskraal in the Gauteng Province of South Africa has had water issues for decades. Water supply is erratic at the best of times and non-existent at the worst. And then, last year, the community was struck by an outbreak of cholera and at least 30 people died of the waterborne disease.
The crisis exposed the water problems and other underlying challenges, such as dilapidated infrastructure, high unemployment and rapid population growth that also impact the water supply.
ForAfrika has been involved in Hammanskraal for a number of years, working with Early Childhood Development centres and, on hearing the news, we decided we had to find a sustainable solution.
“Our immediate goal was to rehabilitate 15 boreholes, which we have now done thanks to generous donations from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), FNB donor,” says Shumikazi Kwinana, Director of Programmes for the South Africa country office.
Each of the 15 boreholes now has a solar-powered pump, a filtration system and 10 000-litre water tanks installed.
The IDC funding also included water, sanitation and hygiene training which is essential for the prevention of disease.
Youth empowerment
Additionally, after a few community dialogues ForAfrika engaged with National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to explore opportunities for programme support and youth empowerment. NYDA funded Kwetso Foundation to partner with ForAfrika on the project and focus on the upskilling and employment of 50 youth in Hammanskraal. The youth were appointed to support the WASH project by ensuring the boreholes are well maintained, beautifying of the surrounding areas and fixing leaking pipes.
Koketso Mpafudi is a 29-year-old single mother of three who signed a contract with the Kwetso Foundation to receive the accredited skills programme, tools, uniform and short-term employment that will give her workplace experience.
“Thank you ForAfrika and Kwetso for giving me this opportunity. May you continue to assist many other young people like me,” she said.
Another participant, Tshegofatso Mpeba, was equally thrilled to be able to put his interest in mechanical engineering to good use and to gain further skills that will make him more employable in the future.
“The training is aimed at empowering the youth with skills and knowledge on how to manage, monitor and support water usage from the boreholes,” says Shumikazi. “This initiative aims to bring about positive change in the community; putting an end to the water problem and other water-related challenges” she continued.
Precious Msimango is Community Development Officer