Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are critical zones that, despite covering a small fraction of South Africa’s land area, contribute disproportionately to the country’s surface water supply. Concentrated primarily in the southern and eastern regions, these areas generate over 50% of South Africa’s annual surface water runoff from less than 10% of the land. SWSAs are essential not only for water and food security but also for generating hydroelectric power, which further underscores their national importance.

However, only about 11% of surface water SWSAs (roughly 18.2 million hectares) currently benefit from some form of formal protection under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). This limited and unevenly distributed protection leaves these critical zones highly susceptible to unregulated development and the adverse impacts of ongoing activities. Protecting the remaining natural areas of SWSAs is widely recognized as the most effective strategy for enhancing water security, improving both the quantity and quality of water supplies in the long term.

The urgency to secure these areas is heightened by the challenges of climate change. South Africa, one of the world’s driest countries, has an average annual rainfall of only 490 mm, with a mere 10% feeding into its rivers. As climate change continues to raise temperatures and dry out regions, the demand for water is predicted to escalate exponentially. Combined with inadequate water management and unchecked development around SWSAs, this trend could lead to a significant water crisis.

The ongoing droughts in South Africa have highlighted the precarious nature of the country’s water resources, sensitizing communities and industries to the critical need for proactive measures. Access to clean water is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy. Recognizing this, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has prioritized research on the identification and protection of SWSAs. The goal is clear: safeguarding these vital areas will support sustainable water availability and resilience against the growing pressures of climate change and development.

The CSIR has conducted the mapping of South Africa’s surface and groundwater resources, identifying areas critical for maintaining the country’s water supply. This map highlights these vital zones for the Waterberg, underscoring the importance of preserving intact ecosystems in these locations to ensure long-term water protection and security both within and beyond the Waterberg.

Safeguarding Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) is crucial for South Africa’s water security. Expanding Protected Area status and limiting development in these areas within the Waterberg will help preserve vital ecosystems that naturally support water purification and storage, securing water resources for the future. It is therefore vital that no inappropriate developments are granted in these areas. All I&AP’s should check that the EAPs have identified and provided serious considerations for any SWSA that might fall within project areas. If they have not I&AP’s are advised to raise this as a critical flaw in the application.

REFERENCE READING

www.csir.co.za/protecting-south-africa’s-strategic-water-source-areas