It is through media awareness that we learn about environmental issues worldwide. We rely on a variety of sources such as television, print, newspapers and the Internet to educate us on issues such as global Warming, earthquakes, draughts, floods, tsunamis etc, and the devastating impact there of.

It is the poorer, less developed countries such as Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Somalia that are affected and impacted by these environmental issues. These countries lack in resources and have insufficient funding to address and resolve the devastation these issues cause.

South Africa has not escaped these environmental impacts. In the past we have experienced earthquakes, floods, draughts and pollution to name a few. However, the impact is greater on the poorer communities as opposed to the more developed ones. 

GLOBAL WATER CRISIS

Statistics show in the United Nations Human Development Report, that a minimum of 1.1 billion people living in developing countries has inadequate access to clean, safe water. Furthermore, a staggering estimated 2.6 billion people of our population, lack basic sanitation.  (Shah 2010) 1.8 Million children are dying each year from diarrhea as a result of water pollution and inadequate sanitation. 

One of The Millennium Development Goals, which consists of numerous goals and targets to alleviate poverty by 2015 included to: “reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water.”

In 2010, it was reported that one third of the world population has to live in areas with insufficient water supply. It can be predicted that with continual climate change and population growth, in the future, the total number of people living in these conditions would escalate to half of the world’s population.

Reference: Thompson, L. (2008) Women Carrying Water. [Photograph] Available: http://www.wateraid.org/uk/about_us/media_centre/photo_downloads/default.asp. (Accessed: 17/04/2012)

The United Nations Human Development Report shows that inadequate water supply is strongly linked to poverty.  In developing countries, two in three people that live without access to adequate water supplies, survive on less than R15 a day. The water crisis extends itself beyond just a water problem. Overtime, the economy of the country is affected, as citizens are unable to work due to various water pollution diseases or sicknesses, which as a result has an overall impact on the countries functioning of the economy.

The United Nations has concurred that the water crisis is completely human-created and has only been a problem to this degree within the last two decades. It may be argued, that we are not necessarily dealing with a water shortage crisis, but rather a water management crisis globally.


UNESCO’s Third World Water Development Report predicts that by 2030, nearly half of humanity will be living in areas with major water stress. In some countries, pollution and depletion of economically important water resources have extended beyond the point of no return. Many nations face a future without reliable water systems.

Reference: Jansson, E.(2009) Unsafe Water Source [Photograph]. Available: http://www.wateraid.org/uk/about_us/media_centre/photo_downloads/default.asp. (Accessed: 18/04/2012)

In a documentary “World Without Water” compelled by Britain’s Channel 4, the documentary implies that the crisis is too, as a result of the commoditization of water.  In many countries, water has been promoted as a commodity as opposed to a human right.  By doing this, there is increased concern, that the poorer nations and people are too underprivileged to afford water.  Governments have placed a price on anything and everything even if it is not appropriate such as water, education and health among other things.

It can furthermore be noted that privatization of water resources in order to bring about business proficiency, has resulted in the poor no longer being able to afford and have access to basic needs such as water and adequate sanitation. The above documentary also notes that it is not necessarily privatization itself that is the issue at hand but rather the concept that it is not being practiced properly or fairly.

Water is a fundamental human right. It is a basic need with the perception of being a commodity; a privileged service that only the economically sound can afford. In Article 25 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which is the primary human rights policy that majority of the nations have signed, it states that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of circumstances beyond his control”.

In most countries, access to fresh, clean water is fast becoming a political problem, rather than a technical one. Water pollution is experienced everywhere around the world but has a major impact on third world and developing countries. (Shah 2010)

REFERENCE: Matson. (1936) African Woman Carrying Water [Photograph]. Available: http://www.middle-east-pictures.com/middle-east/Carrying-African-Woman-Water.html. (Accessed 18/04/2012)

SOUTH AFRICA WATER CRISIS

South Africa being a developing country is experiencing a variety of water crisis. Some of these include a mismatch between supply and demand, theft of water resources, decaying infrastructure, deteriorating water quality and loss of essential skills. (Herold, 2009)

THE LEGACY OF APARTHEID

The legacy of apartheid and social injustice has resulted in numerous challenges facing a sustainable future in South Africa and has lead to numerous environmental issues such as exploitation of resources, pollution, lack of adequate sanitation, insufficient supply of fresh water etc. Social inequality is still of great concern today as there is still evidence of racial separation and social injustice despite the post apartheid equality since 1994.

(Hushka and Mau, 2006). 

During apartheid the development of informal non-white settlements and spatial planning occurred, which has resulted in a country that is still trying to recover from environmental impacts of the past.  Today, there is still evidence of these black settlements increasing in South Africa.  As a result of poverty and an ongoing recession, these settlements are becoming an increasing necessity. There is a constant influx of rural-urban migration into these townships as many people are in search of work, resulting in a high-density area with overcrowded living conditions (Wisner, 1995). 

Post 1994, various strategies were implemented to provide the country with an improved life and to ensure that all are understood as equal (Hushka and Mau, 2006).  It is somewhat obvious that this has not yet been accomplished, as poverty is still the leading concern throughout Africa and South Africa. Environmental sustainability is entirely interrelated to that of inequality and poverty (Harris, 2000).  South Africa’s major drawback is that they are unable to fulfill the fundamental human needs in order to accomplish social equity. (Harris, 2000). 

Informal Settlements, which were developed during Apartheid, lacked substantial planning in terms of infrastructure, and are high-density developments that experience overcrowding and many social problems such as poor health, inadequate housing and insufficient utilities. These issues amongst others are still evident within townships today.

Reference: Petterson, A. (2011). Khayelitsha Township. At: Getty Images. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/feb/21/south-africa-bloated-welfare-state. (Accesssed 18/04/2012) 

These conditions force inhabitants to exploit natural resources in order to fulfill basic needs such as food, water and housing. For many of the residents within the settlement, it is about survival and as a result, the relationship between them and the environment is therefore often distant. (Wisner, 1995)

Racial segregation and income inequality is still evident today, as can be seen in the informal settlement Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, Cape Town.  Imizamo Yethu originated in 1991 with the intention to house 455 squatter households.  (Harte, Hastings and Iraphne, 2006) In Xhosa, ‘Imizamo Yethu’ translates as the “People have Gathered”, and is more commonly known as “Mandela Park”. (Mercer, 2007) 

IMIZAMO YETHU - HOUT BAY TOWNSHIP

Hout Bay, most commonly known for its diverse culture, harbour and country atmosphere has become one of Cape Towns most popular tourist attractions.

In contrast to Hout Bay’s beauty, Imizamo Yethu’s residents live in abject poverty and are vulnerable to numerous environmental hazards.  In these townships, poverty forces the inhabitants to exploit the natural resources to satisfy their basic needs. This exploitation results in environmental issues.

Many of these residents live in cramped, over crowded, filthy conditions with no plumbing, sanitation, electricity, roads or established infrastructure for sustainable living.  A high proportion of the Imizamo Yethu residents, live in self-constructed shacks made from scraps such as plywood, plastic sheeting, advertising boards and corrugated iron. (Harte, Hastings and Iraphne, 2006) 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN IMIZAMO YETHU

Among other environmental issues, some of the most concerning issues within the settlement include irregular garbage collection, a lack of proper sanitation, insufficient supply of fresh water, grey water pollution, felling of trees for firewood and land space, extensive rubbish, rodents, lack of electricity and intensified pollution. (Froestad, 2006) 

According to Hout Bays municipal Environmental Health Department, at least 51% of the Imizamo Yethu residents are living in a high-risk health category.  On average, this township generates 8617 tones of human waste per week, of which a minor amount is collected and dealt with.  (Froestad, 2006)

Reference: Maderdonner, O. (2011). Growing up in a township. Available: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/photo-contest/2011/entries/74621/view/. Last accessed 20/04/2012.

DISA RIVER CONCERN

One of the greatest challenges experienced in Hout Bay as a result of the Imizamo Yethu Township is the effect the settlement’s waste has on the Disa River, which runs from the Orangekloof Nature Reserve on top of Table Mountain, amongst the Wetlands and exits onto the main Hout Bay beach into the bay.  Water is a necessity and a human right; therefore it is vital that we rectify any water pollution to prevent illnesses and the negative impact on the flora and fauna.

Reference: 
Yeld, J. (2011). Disa River Wetland to be restored. Available: http://gctca.org.za/disa-river-wetland-to-be-restored/. Last accessed 20/04/2012. 

Since the development of the Imizamo Yethu Township, the Disa River has posed as a major threat to humans, birds and animals that comes into contact with the river or surrounding wetlands, especially the local residents.

For as long as the township has been developed, the river has been flooded by overflowing sewage drains, pumping this river and wildlife sanctuary full of E-coli amongst other bacteria.  E-coli is a bacterium that can inhabit both human and animal intestines.  The bacterium can produce a variety of toxins that can have a wide range of effects.  Symptoms caused may include mild to chronic Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever.  Other symptoms may include renal failure, pancreatitis, and neurological symptoms including drowsiness, seizures and a coma could occur. (Shanson, 1999)

When Water Rhapsody, who supplies water conservation systems, collected a sample of water from the river in 2010, it contained nine hundred million e-coli bacteria per 100ml of water. Acceptable standards, there are an average of two hundred bacteria per 100ml. This proves the severe the conditions of the water.  (Bardouleau, 2010)

Reference: Unknown. (2010). Flushing E-coli into Hout Bay's Disa River .Available: http://www.capewatersolutions.co.za/2010/01/16/flushing-e-coli-into-hout-bay’s-disa-river/. Last accessed 20/04/2012.

As well as e-coli, the river is severely affected by “grey water” otherwise known as wash water.  Wash water includes bath, dish and laundry water, which contains phosphates found in blue and green algae growth.  .  (Bardouleau, 2010) When this particular algae dies, a substance much like cyanide is released which is highly toxic.  As a result of these toxins, which absorb oxygen upon decay, all other life within the water is killed.  (Bardouleau, 2010)

As well as the river being extremely dangerous, people are using the reservoir that supplies water to the residents of Hout Bay as an open lavatory without access to sanitation. (Gosling 2006)

The river transports the water through the residents, across the well-known beach and into the bay.  The e-coli and algae organisms are then absorbed by animals within the sea and are having a major effect on these animals and related ecosystems, particularly the rock lobster which would pose as a health hazard for any human being consuming these lobsters. (Gosling, 2006)

Currently, there are only 400 toilets amongst the 25000 residents living in shacks in Imizamo Yethu. (Froestad, 2006) When residents were questioned about the current situation of sanitation facilities, Aida Hokonya, a spokesperson on behalf of Imizamo Yethu residents, told how many people did their excrement in buckets and disposed of their waste by filling plastic packets and throwing them in surrounding drains or on their roofs.  Aida continued to reveal that many of the residents “don’t care about the environment” and that they were forced to do this due to the lack of sanitation facilities.

As a result, drains become blocked and the few sewage systems present in the settlement become blocked and burst amongst the houses. The repercussions of the waste, is not only extremely detrimental to the residents health, but furthermore has a major impact on the environment as the waste is then carried into the DIsa River and surrounding areas and into the sea.

Tension arises between the established more privileged homes of Hout Bay residents and the inhabitants of Imizamo Yethu, as Hout Bay residents blame the residents of the settlement for the severe pollution created in and around Hout Bay.  Not only is this pollution contributing towards major health and environment factors, but largely impacts the increase in crime as a result of this poverty stricken community. Property valuations are negatively impacted as well as a having a detrimental affect on the visual aesthetics of Hout Bay. 

WATER POLLUTION ADVERTISEMENT FEATURED IN THE MEDIA

There have been numerous advertisements and campaigns around the world creating awareness about water pollution. One of the most current, globally recognized advertisements was a print advertisement created by the renowned global brand UNICEF who is recognized for their efforts to “build a world where the rights of every child are realized” (UNICEF). The image is of a well art directed water splash created to appear as a bomb with the copy: “1.5 million children die every year from drinking polluted water”.

The concept behind the advertisement is that the water pollution epidemic is a waiting time bomb unless the issue is resolved worldwide. The art direction of the image is extremely effective as its simplicity communicates the message in a clear and realistic manner.  For the average person, we cannot comprehend just how many people 1.5 million people is, which is why the visual of a ‘water bomb’ visually relates the destruction water pollution is causing.

The symbolism of the bomb is an effective metaphor for conflict, destruction and devastation. 

UNICEF WATER POLLUTION PRINT ADVERTISEMENT

Reference: Kaehler, M, Diestel, T and Graalfs, A. (2007) Dirty Bomb [Print Advertisement] At: Ads of the World. Available: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/unicef_dirty_bomb?size=_original. (Accessed 18/04/2012)

CARTE BLANCHE CASE STUDY

In 2010, Carte Blanche, a local investigative journalism programme conducted a case study on South Africa’s Rivers which are under major threat as a result of disintegrating sewage works, increasing informal settlements in their catchment areas and unregulated commercial effluent. (Bingwa, 2010)

The case study looked at how the pollution was affecting people’s health as well as having an impact on water sports along the coast. (Bingwa, 2010)

Carte Blanche investigated a high-profile case from Kwazulu-Natal, where RW Johnson, an established author and historian, nearly died after swimming in the Mpenjati Nature Reserve Lagoon. (Bingwa, 2010)

RW Johnson recounted how he had initially stubbed his toe and had contracted ‘necrotizing fasciitis’, a flesh-eating organism that breeds in sewage and entered his blood stream.  His stubbed toe, manifested from a cut, to an infected wound, to fevers and fainting, and eventually to hospital where his leg was amputated above the knee.  RW Johnson remained unconscious for a month and there was a slim chance of him surviving as 89% of people who contract ‘necrotizing fasciitis’ die. (Bingwa, 2010)

South Africa has 27 “Blue Flag” beaches. Blue Flag is a worldwide non- government, non-profit voluntary organization who works towards sustainable development of beaches with strict criteria involving water quality. This is a major draw card for tourism in our country.

On the contrary, some highly polluted beaches, run by numerous municipalities along the coast of South Africa are in a state of despair. Of Cape Town’s 27 rivers flowing into the coastline, only one of them was 100% safe for recreational use.  A report conducted by the City of Cape Town revealed that the coastal water quality is extremely poor and stands to be a major threat for the citizens as well as the environment. (Bingwa, 2010)

Furthermore, Dr Justin O’Rian, an environmental officer for the Hout Bay Residents Association revealed the detrimental affects the Imizamo Yethu Township has on the river.  He reveals how densely populated the squatter camp is, with insufficient sanitation, and effluent draining off the township and into their river and onto the very popular local Hout Bay beach.  Dr Jo Barnes an Epidemiologist relates the Disa River to that of an “open sewer” after conducting tests. Dr O’Rian’s child spent numerous days on a drip after being in contact with her soiled shoes, which were contaminated.  (Bingwa, 2010)

Reference: Marx, R. (2010). Hout Bay water quality: good news and bad news.Available: http://www.houtbay.org.za/Newsletters/201011_HoutAbout.htm. Last accessed 20/04/2012.

Many residents are outraged by the current situation, which at times has been described as a pandemic.  Dr O’Rian further argues that authorities are aware how hard it is to prove that various illnesses are caught from that specific area, which frustrates residents.

Other problems included the following:  narrow sewage pipes, inadequate funding, blocked drains, lack of maintenance, lack of infrastructure, loss of experienced engineers, overwhelming quantity of sewage, extensive smells as well as insufficient resources.

Jo Barnes recalls a local politician exclaiming “there are no votes in sewage”. Therefore, admitting that political power will only put in effort when there is a political benefit. (Bingwa, 2010)

A follow up on the Carte Blanche investigation was aired in November 2010.  Carte Blanche felt there had been a dramatic improvement with the problem.  The issue was deemed resolved through consistent maintenance, improved equipment, and constant communication amongst municipality and residents.  Scientific studies are being conducted and authorities are admitting to the problem and new pollution control officers have been appointed issuing pollution fines ranging between R1 000 and R800 000, holding culprits of the pollution responsible. (Bingwa, 2010)

MEDIA CONSTRUCTIONISM

In modern times, what we have come to know and understand about the environment is as a result of the media. (Hansen, 2010)  Our perceptions of what we know are morphed through multiple media sources both consciously and sub consciously. (Hansen, 2010).

Communication is key in how we are informed about certain environmental issues, the way in which we address these issues, and how we plan on resolving them. (Hansen, 2010)

Whilst it may be unclear to what extent the media is constructed, there are a variety of factors influencing our perception, including economic factors, political factors, practices of journalism and a variety of news practices. (Hansen, 2010)

There is however, nothing natural about the way in which we come to learn about issues in the environment.  The media is socially constructed and lends itself back to power.  Issues tend to fade in and out of the public focus and need either a political or social catalyst to bring about attention. (Hansen, 2010)

Construction of the media is evident in the Carte Blanche investigation as many of us were informed by the Carte Blanche program, the severity that South Africa and in particular Imizamo Yethu is experiencing. If it weren’t for this documentary, we would be none the wiser that our country was experiencing such problems.

In part 2 of the Carte Blanche Investigation, the analysis is very misleading as it is implied that the issue has been resolved. While some improvements around South Africa have been made, including employing new pollution control officers and improving our sewage pumps, these are short term solutions and are reactive, as they haven’t perhaps considered the future. Whilst the improvements have made a difference for the present, there is no prevention of the situation worsening over time. What is required is a pro-active strategy.

Whilst it may benefit making these improvements, it hasn’t resolved the crux of the matter, which is that there is still no adequate sanitation or improvements within the informal settlements, which is where the source of the problem lies.

Within the documentary, there are a variety of claim-makers.  Justin O’Rian, a Hout Bay resident and member of the local environmental committee, claims that the issues were resolved through maintenance and by improvement of sewage materials.

Local council’s member Telkot Passent, is the gentleman who speaks of the many improvements made to the equipment and who runs the system.

Dr Jo Barnes, a Epidemiologist, claims a thorough scientific study is being carried out and that there has been an improvement with the e-coli count in the water.

Brett Keyser, part of the local Stellenbosch community speaks about general proactive improvements that are necessary such as appointing additional staff.

Senior pollution control inspector, Johan Martinus claims to test the water and if there is a high level of pollution, he traces the people responsible and issues fines.

All the claim makers speak of the dramatic improvement and resolution in Part 2 of the documentary and whilst there may be improvement elsewhere, degradation continues in Hout Bay.  Claim-makers tasks are to command attention by claiming legitimacy and evoking action. All of the above claim makers make their argument convincing and support their argument by facts, however these facts do not support a sustainable approach.

A variety of framing devices have been used through out the documentary in order to convince the viewer and develop a strong argument.  In particular, a strong emphasis was placed on visual references.  In part 1 of the investigation countless images of poverty, sewage and pollution are shown, however in part 2, many clean, functioning and pollution free images are shown. There is a major contrast between part 1 of the investigation when the crisis is revealed and part 2 when the pandemic is considered resolved. 

PERSONAL ARGUMENT

It was reported that the total Hout Bay residents escalated from 18 500 inhabitants in 2004 to a staggering estimated 45 000 today. This tells us that it is the Imizamo Yethu settlement continues to increase exponentially in size.

Ratepayers have increased at a much slower pace suggesting that Imizamo Yethu settlement is increasing exponentially. The increased population pressure and the need for residential land deplete natural resources. This intensification of finite resources, results in a larger gap between the wealthy and the poor. This depletion of resources has a major affect on the environment and problems that arise include:  destruction of trees, danger of soil erosion, landslides, lack of water, and danger to humans, flora and fauna.

The continued population growth contributes to the economic recession as inhabitants cannot contribute into normal society in terms of rates and taxes, and there is a continual reliance on grants and social handouts. The residents are economically destitute. This becomes a self-compounding problem for both ends of society as the gap is widened between the rich and poor further. 

Exacerbating this situation, the economical recession has caused more jobs to be lost. Up to 50% of the population was recorded as living below the poverty line.

As a result of the unemployment, the economy doesn’t grow and the government and local municipality are expected to provide and fund the residents.  However, how long can the municipality be expected to fund?

There is also the emotional factor that has contributed to the problem. Our history and the legacy of apartheid have resulted in racial segregation and income inequity, which is still evident today.

Tension within the immediate society of Hout Bay between the established white area and the informal settlements has aroused conflict, as the privileged are expected or encouraged to support the less fortunate. The whites believe the township destroys the environment and the township feels they deserve better facilities.

At present, there has been a major impact on the environment.  The primary issues include the exploiting of resources in order to survive.  There is an increased demand for the world’s resources, yet the supply is decreasing at a rate faster than it can be replaced. (Fergus and Rowney, 2005)

The second primary impact on the environment is the detrimental affects of e-coli and bacterium living in the water.  E-coli can be extremely fatal to humans as well as animals and the surrounding environment.  The bacterium kills off many flora and fauna and has a major impact on surrounding eco-systems.

The secondary affects of the water pollution have an impact on tourism as the visual aesthetics of the environment are ruined.

If the problem amongst Imizamo Yethu and more specifically the Disa River are not resolved, we may face a major crisis down the line. Whilst media has portrayed that there is a sufficient improvement around South Africa, those are short-term solutions, and are unlikely to be sustained over a prolonged period.

CONCLUSION

In my opinion, there is no major improvement or resolution with the Imizamo Yethu water pollution.  Whilst there may be short-term improvements, these are not necessarily sustainable and do not provide prevention of damage in the future.  All improvements thus far have been reactive as opposed to pro –active and do not resolve the source of the problem. As a result of poverty there is insufficient sanitation facilities for the growing number of residents. Until this is resolved, the DIsa River will continue to be polluted. 

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