‘Capturing Water’: Spotlighting South Africa’s Grassroots Struggle for Water Security

Rehad Desai’s documentary “Capturing Water” documents the ongoing water crisis in South Africa, exacerbated by climate change and government mismanagement. With predictions of 250 million people experiencing water stress by 2030, the film emphasizes the urgent need for grassroots action and equitable water distribution. Desai highlights local activism and the global implications of water commodification as vital themes addressed in the film.

In early 2018, South Africa’s Western Cape was experiencing an extended drought, causing reservoirs to reach record lows. Residents of Cape Town prepared for the potential disaster of “Day Zero,” when municipal water supplies would be depleted. Although this crisis was narrowly avoided, filmmaker Rehad Desai warns in his documentary “Capturing Water” that South Africa faces more profound challenges due to climate change, which threatens the region with severe water shortages.

Desai highlights that by 2030, approximately 250 million people across the continent may experience water stress, largely in urban areas. “The temperatures are just [increasing] exponentially. We’re a dry continent. It’s becoming drier because of climate change,” he states. The documentary illustrates that the crisis experienced in the Western Cape from 2015 to 2020 stemmed from years of government neglect, mismanagement, and climate factors, despite Cape Town being viewed as a relatively well-functioning municipality.

The consequences have been alarming, with much of Cape Town’s poorly treated sewage flowing into the ocean, requiring 55 million liters of freshwater daily. Nationally, the situation is dire, with 3.5 million households lacking access to clean water, and 35% of available clean water wasted through leaks. Desai notes that municipalities lack the necessary funds and competence to address these issues, even as budgets for vital services are slashed.

In Cape Town, only 13% of the population consumes 51% of the water, leading to intense competition for dwindling resources. Furthermore, accelerated development post-pandemic, spurred by tourism, contrasts sharply with the needs of local residents, exacerbating inequities. Desai remarks on the stark class inequalities in water access, where impoverished communities endure severe water rationing.

The film raises important questions about equitable water distribution amidst growing demand. While it does not provide direct answers, it emphasizes local solutions. “Capturing Water” showcases grassroots efforts, such as activism against water privatization and legal actions to protect vital aquifers, illustrating the fight for water security.

Moreover, the documentary links South Africa’s challenges to a global crisis, highlighting industries exploiting water resources amidst climate change. An example includes Saudi Arabian companies purchasing farmland in California, threatening local aquifers. Desai emphasizes that as water scarcity increases, the poorest populations face heightened difficulties in accessing this essential resource, which is becoming a commodity rather than a basic human right.

As a continuation of Desai’s politically engaged filmography, “Capturing Water” aims to inspire action against the growing water crisis. With plans to distribute the film across South Africa and the continent, Desai aims to galvanize public sentiment, asserting that emotional engagement is crucial for fostering activism. The Joburg Film Festival, where the film is showcased, runs from March 11 to 16.

In summary, “Capturing Water” sheds light on the urgent water crisis facing South Africa and highlights the broader implications of climate change. The film underscores the need for grassroots action and equitable resource distribution to combat the inequalities exacerbated by a dysfunctional system. Through this documentary, Rehad Desai calls for a collective response to ensure water as a human right, not merely a commodity.

Original Source: variety.com