South Africa's ongoing water crisis has been primarily linked to inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and governance issues. However, an increasingly significant yet frequently ignored contributor is vandalism, which plays a major role in exacerbating water shortages and causing infrastructure failures nationwide, says Sagren Narasimulu, Managing Director at Makhaotse, Narasimulu & Associates (MNA).

Narasimulu points out that, alongside the disruption caused by aging pipelines and load shedding, vandalism has emerged as a destructive element. The theft of water meters, pipes, and electrical cables for resale - often fetching as little as R20 - can incapacitate entire communities for several days.

“Previously, vandalism was predominantly perceived as a rural issue. However, it is very prevalent in urban areas as well, where daylight theft of pipes and cables has become commonplace. This type of criminal behaviour not only hampers water supply but also imposes additional financial strains on municipalities, which must repeatedly replace stolen or damaged assets.”

The ramifications of vandalism go beyond immediate disruptions in service. The theft of essential components undermines entire water systems, compelling municipalities to reallocate funds from routine maintenance and infrastructure improvements to urgent repairs. “The inconsistent nature of these repairs means we are not addressing the core issues,” Narasimulu highlights.

According to a report by the Helen Suzman Foundation, from July 2024, South Africa's water infrastructure is already under significant pressure, with many pipelines exceeding 70 years in age and suffering from inadequate maintenance. Vandalism worsens these challenges, hastening the deterioration of an already vulnerable system.

Initiatives aimed at reducing vandalism include the adoption of non-metallic materials for infrastructure components, thereby lowering their resale value. Some municipalities have also heightened security patrols and surveillance, though stricter enforcement is needed. “There is an urgent call by both the public and private sectors for stricter law enforcement and enforced and serious penalties. Addressing vandalism is a vital yet often overlooked element. Enhanced law enforcement, investment in vandal-resistant materials, and community outreach initiatives could help alleviate these disruptions.”

While vandalism is a contributing factor to South Africa's water sector challenges, it coexists with other critical challenges. Climate change has intensified the occurrence of droughts and floods, further straining water availability. Load shedding disrupts water treatment processes, leaving reservoirs depleted and wastewater untreated. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation's 2023 No Drop Report, South Africa's non-revenue water losses have risen to 47%, primarily due to leaks, illegal connections, and poor billing systems. These losses far exceed the international average of 30%, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and better management practices

Moreover, Good Governance Africa has explained in a report from June 2024 that South Africa is expected to face a 17% gap between water supply and demand by 2030, underscoring the urgency for strategic intervention. This projection aligns with the findings of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan from 2018, which identified a similar water supply deficit by 2030.

Narasimulu advocates that confronting South Africa's water crisis necessitates a comprehensive strategy. He advocates for a change in approach: “Rather than concentrating solely on expanding infrastructure, we must also focus on safeguarding our existing systems.” Without prompt action, the combined effects of theft, climate change, and mismanagement will only exacerbate the crisis, continuing to jeopardise water security for millions of South Africans.

The recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal have served as a stark reminder of South Africa's ongoing water crisis. Despite numerous warnings and extensive discussions over the years, the fundamental issues facing the country's water sector remain unresolved.

Narasimulu describes how decayed systems lead to severe flooding, a problem exacerbated by poor maintenance practices. Regular clearing of stormwater networks, once commonplace, is now a rarity. "Back-to-basics maintenance like cleaning out stormwater manholes could alleviate some of the flooding we see today," he says.

“There is an urgent need for increased accountability in water management. We cannot allow for infrastructure decay and vandalism to persist unchecked. As South Africa nears the brink of physical water scarcity, immediate action is imperative.”

To address these challenges, solutions such as community-based monitoring, can play a crucial role in safeguarding water infrastructure, he explains: “By actively involving local communities in oversight efforts - early detection of leaks, illegal connections, and vandalism can be improved. Additionally, the use of technical advancements can also enhance water security. For example, the implementation of smart water meters enables real-time monitoring of water usage, helping to detect anomalies and reduce wastage, while surveillance systems provide an added layer of protection against theft and vandalism.”

”Protecting infrastructure from vandalism must be prioritised alongside maintenance, climate adaptation, and technological advancements. Without a concerted effort, the socio-economic repercussions of water shortages will continue to escalate, affecting both communities and businesses,” Narisimulu concludes.