insert_link Environment Tiny weevils are waging war on the invasive water lettuce plant choking South Africa’s Vaal River By Julie Coetzee, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.), also known as Nile cabbage, is a free-floating aquatic plant from the family Araceae, the same family as the arum lily. It’s found on every continent except Antarctica and grows well in tropical to sub-tropical climates. Research suggests it may have originated in South America because it has natural enemies there which have […] todayApril 10, 2024 27
insert_link South Africa SA’s Rand Water Prevails in Court Against AfriForum’s Attempt to Halt Water Supply Reduction AfriForum's court action to prevent Rand Water from reducing water supply to seven municipalities owing over three billion rand has been unsuccessful. AfriForum had applied to the High Court in Pretoria to order Rand Water to restore full water supply to the affected municipalities, citing far-reaching implications for the communities. The municipalities, located in Gauteng, Free State, and Mpumalanga, face reduced supply due to outstanding debts. Rand Water welcomes the […] todayMarch 28, 2024 7
insert_link South Africa Democratic Alliance Urges Immediate Action on South Africa’s Water Crisis The Democratic Alliance in South Africa is demanding urgent measures to tackle the country's water crisis. Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube calls on President Ramaphosa to deploy the South African National Defence Force for logistical support and water distribution. Gwarube advocates for public-private partnerships and calls for police investigations into potential acts of sabotage exacerbating the crisis. todayMarch 19, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa Gauteng Premier Urges Action Amid Water Crisis Threatening System Collapse Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi voices apprehension regarding the persisting water crisis in parts of the province. Rand Water issues a plea for residents to conserve water as the system faces severe strain, posing a risk of complete collapse. Specifically, water levels in the City of Tshwane plummeted below 30% over the weekend, prompting the urgent closure of water supply to specific reservoirs. Lesufi calls on stakeholders to address the situation […] todayMarch 18, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa Water Shortages in Gauteng Lead to Health Concerns, Freedom Front Plus Raises Alarms The Freedom Front Plus in Gauteng raises concerns over water shortages affecting parts of the province, including Mogale City Municipality in the West Rand. The damaged power system of City Power has rendered Rand Water’s Eikenhof Pump Station non-operational. Some residents are reportedly experiencing gastrointestinal disorders due to the water crisis. Amanda de Lange from the FF Plus highlights the challenges faced by elderly individuals who lack transportation to access […] todayMarch 12, 2024 17
