The optics of ‘Day Zero’ and the role of the state in water security for a township in Cape Town (South Africa)

ABSTRACT

Cape Town (South Africa) provides a unique setting to critique the myriad forces producing the varied, contextual conditions of water security. In post-apartheid Cape Town, water is considered a constitutional right and all citizens are guaranteed free minimum access. Despite this progress, water security is often fragmented and personalized. This paper examines the perspectives and experiences of residents in Langa township following the ‘Day Zero’ event of 2018. Embedded in the optics of the crisis we found differentiated dimensions of security more reflective of the apartheid era. Our findings illustrate the need for adaptive water governance to promote water justice.

KEYWORDS:

• Water security
• Day Zero
• human right to water
• water governance
• Cape Town

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the community of Langa, and particularly Mbuyiseli ‘Chippa’ Mngangwa, Nhomsa Mninzi and the five enumerators of our survey (Nathi Gicaba, Zuzeka Mashiya, Lele Mbinda, Ndoda Mbombo and Nqabakazi Nkosemntu). The authors are thankful too for the helpful comments of two anonymous reviewers and guest editor Dr Wendy Jepson which have improved this manuscript. Research for this project would not have been possible without survey support from Roselyn Staples.

Notes

1. Evaporation accounts for the remaining 10% of total allocation.

2. This was to be triggered when WCWSS storage fell to 13.5%. Below 10% is considered unusable due to suspended sediment and the location of reservoir outlet pipes.

3. In addition to demand-side management, supply was also augmented in a limited manner through desalination and groundwater.

4. As reported in a focus group in Langa township in April 2018.

5. Cape Town reduced collective consumption from 1200 ML/d in 2014 to 516 ML/d by early 2018 (City of Cape Town, 2020b).

6. Monthly sales of units over 1000 litres capacity rose from 535 in September 2016 to 8010 in April 2019.

7. Registered boreholes increased from 1500 in September 2016 to 26,000 in April 2019.