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The South African
25-06-2025
- Health
- The South African
Almost 40% of school water samples found unsafe for drinking
A national school-based water testing initiative has found that nearly 4 in 10 water samples from South African schools are unsafe for human consumption. The Water Warrior school water quality project, launched by WaterCAN under the Water Warriors Collective, ran for a month and involved 95 schools across eight provinces. Teachers trained pupils to use water testing kits and upload their findings to the online MapMyWater tool, turning them into citizen scientists. Water sources tested included tap water, JoJo tanks, and rivers. While only 53 schools (47%) successfully submitted results, limited by technical issues and school holidays, the data paints a troubling picture: 43% of water samples showed unsafe bacterial contamination; 73% of tank water samples contained harmful bacteria, including E. coli; 66% of river samples and 23% of tap water samples were unsafe; Some samples indicated low pH and elevated phosphate levels, both of which may pose long-term health risks. JoJo tanks, which are widely used in rural and township schools, emerged as the worst-performing water source. Poor maintenance, infrequent cleaning, and unreliable municipal supply were identified as major problems. According to Timeslive , many schools, particularly those in quintile 1–3 categories, lack reliable access to clean water. Some pupils bring bottled water from home, while others rely on rainwater or streams. In extreme cases, learners relieve themselves in open fields due to non-functional toilets, without water or soap for hygiene. This has wider consequences beyond health; it undermines dignity, concentration, and school attendance, especially for girls during menstruation. Executive Director of WaterCAN, Dr Ferrial Adam, said, 'This is not just citizen science, it's civic action.' 'Unsafe water is not just a health issue, it's an education issue, a gender issue and a human rights issue.' WaterCAN notified affected schools when they found contaminated water and guided them on immediate interventions and long-term engagement with municipalities. Adam stressed that with over 24 000 schools in South Africa, this project only scratches the surface. 'The findings call for a nationally coordinated school water testing and response programme. Every learner deserves clean, safe access.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Rebecca Malope claps back: 'I don't know Bushiri'
Rebecca Malope has distanced herself from 'false accusations' that she performed for fugitive Shepherd Bushiri. This, after the wanted prophet posted a clip of her singing on stage beside him over the Easter weekend. The clip comes after MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu visited Bushiri in Malawi, where the latter has sought refuge from South African authorities. Over the weekend, Shepherd Bushiri posted a clip of gospel star Rebecca Malope on his X account. The criminally accused prophet suggested that the singer had visited his Easter weekend service at his Enlightened Christian Gathering Church in Lilongwe, Malawi. In the clip, Malope and the controversial prophet were seen singing and dancing on stage. However, Malope has rubbished the insinuation or affiliation to Bushiri. She told Timeslive that the clip was taken during a concert performance in Malawi. The event was booked by a promoter and not Bushiri's church. She said, 'When he entered, I heard the crowd make a lot of noise, and they said it's Bushiri. 'I had heard that he's a big fan, so when I was on stage, I saw him sitting in front. I could not ignore someone who came to my concert to support me, and I thanked him for his support. I was even amazed that he was there. She continued: 'I have never been to his church in South Africa or in Malawi, I don't even know what it looks like. He's invited me so many times, but I always have my own excuse because I know where I stand with God.' Rebecca Malope also clapped back at the public, who called for her music to be boycotted. 'People must stop insulting me now. I don't even know Bushiri. I don't care about people lying, but they must just not insult me.' In 2020, Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary fled South Africa to their home country in Malawi, after the former was placed on bail. This is amid rape, fraud and money laundering charges following his arrest shortly before. In Malawi, the prophet was arrested in response to an Interpol red notice. However, a court later ruled that his arrest was unlawful and he was arrested. Last month, a Malawi court ruled in favour of a request to extradite Bushiri and his wife to SA, however the couple were granted permission to appeal. The case is now before Malawi's High Court, where a final decision will be made. According to the South African Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, authorities have 'enough evidence for Bushiri to face trial in the country'. She told the SABC: 'We have won the case through the NPA for his extradition. He still has charges to answer in SA. While the charges have been narrowed down to three, we strongly believe he needs to return and face justice'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
