Issues of inequity, health and water: reflections on the schools water action programmes in post-apartheid South Africa

This paper gives an account of some of the major developmentsin the field of low-cost educational water quality monitoringin South Africa as an approach to environmental education. Thewide acceptance of this approach to education in schools aswell as non-formal settings may be an indication of the manycomplex problems in a country plagued by problems regardingthe availability of reliable supplies of clean, fresh waterand sanitation. It reflects critically on some of the seriousproblems that have developed as a result of the non-availabilityof sufficient supplies of fresh, clean water to many disadvantagedcommunities. The non-availability of fresh running water andwater-borne sanitation are causing serious health problems inmany disadvantaged communities. The origin of many of theseproblems can be traced back to inadequate and inequitable legislationof the past. The problems facing the post-apartheid Governmentstructures now are vast and challenging. Education, especiallyinitiatives like the Schools Water Action Programme, is increasinglybeing looked upon to help develop wider understanding for theneed for the sustainable and responsible utilization of ourfresh-water resources, as well as the basic needs and rightsof all people.