South Africa's Environment Report

South Africa is a semi-arid country. Freshwater is our most limiting natural resource. South Africa receives only around half the average rainfall of other countries, and this is spread disproportionately across the country from east to west. Water availability now and in the future is heavily dependent on climate, water use and management and land-use practices.

What are the driving forces affecting our freshwater ecosystems?

There are three main driving forces affecting South Africa's freshwater environment. Firstly, the natural conditions, particularly climate (see Climate and Atmospheric Change section), which is characterised by low rainfall and high evaporation rates. Together these create low available run-off. Second is the rapid population growth (see Social Dimensions section), and need for economic development and meeting of basic needs. These socio-economic activities drive water use and lead to greater water demand and increased pollution of available resources. The third driving force is the policy pertaining to national management of water resources, which determines the approach taken by relevant authorities at all levels of government to managing our freshwater resources (see Policy). Indirectly, policy pertaining to land-use practices throughout the country impact on water quality and availability.



What are the pressures of human activity on our freshwater resources?

Population growth (see Social Dimensions section), increased economic activity (see Economic Dimensions section) and intensification of land use practices (see Terrestrial Ecosystem section) all lead to increased water demand, and increasing degradation of the resource. Already the freshwater resources of the country are under stress (Davies et al. 1993).


Water demand
For instance, most of the country's major rivers have been dammed to provide water for the increasing population; in most areas wetlands have been converted for other land-use purposes, with more than 50% of the country's wetlands already lost; industrial and domestic effluents are polluting the ground- and surface waters, and changes in habitat have affected the biotic diversity of freshwater ecosystems. Despite this extensive degradation of our freshwater resources, an estimated overall increase in demand of some 52% over the next 30 years is predicted.

What is the status of our freshwater systems and resources?

South Africa is an arid country with only 8.6% of the rainfall available as surface water. This is one of the lowest conversion ratios in the world. The mean annual runoff (MAR) for South Africa is estimated at some 50 million m3 a-1. This is not distributed evenly throughout the country, with the Eastern seaboard having some 80% of the country's runoff, whilst the western regions tend to have low runoff. Nor is it consistent over time, with great variability between years. Similar to surface waters, South Africa's groundwater resources are relatively limited compared to world averages.

The scarcity of freshwater resources and highly variable hydrological conditions have led to every major river in South Africa being regulated in order to ensure adequate water supply for development. However, because of the spatial variability of water resources and the scarcity of water throughout the country, in many catchments the need for water exceeds the supply. This situation is likely to worsen as the discrepancies between water requirements and availability in other water-scarce catchments increase.


Mine drainage activities
The scarcity of water is compounded by pollution of the surface- and ground-water resources. Typical pollutants of South Africa's freshwater environment include industrial effluents, domestic and commercial sewage, acid mine drainage, agricultural runoff, and litter. As many of these sources are spreadout across the country, it is difficult to estimate the magnitude of the pollution problem. However, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Vaal rivers have major problems with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and most of South Africa's rivers have an eutrophication problems.


What are the impacts on our freshwater systems and resources?

The indigenous aquatic fauna and flora of South Africa are well-adapted to the variable climatic conditions, and many are reproductively opportunistic as a result.

The high levels of natural variability ensure that high biological diversity and habitat integrity are maintained. However, whilst most freshwater systems in South Africa are not negatively affected in the long-term by natural fluctuations, they must also endure increasing negative human-induced stresses, to which they are not adapted.

Ecological changes to freshwater ecosystems occur because of catchment degradation (see Terrestrial Ecosystems section); regulation of flow by impoundments; pollution; over-extraction of water; and the breakdown of natural biogeographical barriers, typically through interbasin transfers. The primary results of these are extensive habitat loss, a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in invasive and pest species. In extreme cases, these can result in ecological collapse of the functioning of the natural systems.

Additionally, riverine habitats have been so changed, that little remains of natural freshwater systems in South Africa. Many perennial rivers have become seasonal (e.g. Limpopo, Levuvhu, Letaba); floodplains that rely on regular flooding which has been attenuated have become less productive (e.g. Pongola) and many estuaries no longer have natural opening of the estuary mouth (e.g. Mfolozi)

What are our responses to change in our freshwater systems and resources?

There are various responses at different levels in order to manage our water resources in a sustainable manner, including developing and adhering to international initiatives, setting relevant policy through legislation, implementing policy at an operational level (institutional arrangements; enforcement and monitoring) and implementation of special programmes to combat specific problems (see Policy).

South Africa is a signatory to or abides by several international protocols that are important to water management. Most legislation pertaining to the environment affects water resources, either directly or indirectly. The most important are the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997) and the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), which fall under the authority of the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry.

In the light of the uneven distribution of the water resources of the country and previous inequitable policies, the Water Services Act is important in ensuring that people's basic needs are met, i.e. water supply and sanitation. It ensures that there is sound planning and that water service providers are set up country-wide to cater for everyone.

The National Water Act has replaced the old Water Act (Act 54 of 1956) of 40 years standing. It has completely reformed the water law in South Africa, bringing into legislation aspects of policy that are at the forefront of sustainable resource use thinking internationally. The Act is based on the principles of sustainability of use and equity of distribution.

Outcomes

The outcomes of these responses are largely unknown at present. Most of them have only recently been introduced and there has not been enough time to test their appropriateness and effectiveness.

South Africa's Agriculture and Exports

South Africa has a great agriculture and many ways to help keep their agriculture alive and looking great.

While 13% of South Africa's land can be used for crop production, only 22% of this is high-potential arable land. The most important limiting factor is the availability of water. Rainfall is distributed unevenly across the country, with some areas prone to drought. Almost 50% of South Africa's water is used for agriculture, with about 1.3-million hectares under irrigation.

Today, South Africa is not only self-sufficient in virtually all major agricultural products, but is also a net food exporter. Farming remains vitally important to the economy and development of the southern African region.

Since the country's first democratic elections in 1994, the government has been working to develop small-scale farming.

Exports

South Africa is among the world's top five exporters of avocados, grapefruit, tangerines, plums, pears, table grapes and ostrich products.

Farming contributes some 8% to the country's total exports. The largest export groups are wine, citrus, sugar, grapes, maize, fruit juice, wool, and deciduous fruit such as apples, pears, peaches and apricots.

Other important export products are avocados, dairy products, flowers, food preparations, hides and skins, meat, non-alcoholic beverages, pineapples, preserved fruit and nuts, sugar, and wines.

A number of high-growth niche markets are emerging, such as herbal beverages and luxury seafoods.

Competitive advantages

South African agriculture and agribusiness have a number of competitive advantages, making the country both an important trading partner and a viable investment destination.

World-class infrastructure

South Africa has three deep-water ports, three international airports, a network of roads and railways, well-developed cold chain facilities, and a sophisticated financial sector.

Counter-seasonality to Europe

South Africa's counter-seasonality to Europe, the country's primary export market for horticultural and floricultural products, is a major competitive advantage. South Africa is the closest major southern hemisphere producer of horticultural and floricultural products to Europe, and has significantly shorter shipping times than its rivals.

Biodiversity

South Africa's diversity of climates - tropical, subtropical and desert - allows for a vast and varied array of agricultural products.

Marine resources
South Africa has almost 3 000 kilometres of coastline which is commercially used both for conventional harvesting and for mariculture and aquaculture.

Competitive input costs

While South Africa boasts infrastructure comparable to first-world countries, its cost structures remain highly favourable. Electricity is still relatively inexpensive, and labour rates are also competitive.

Trade agreements

South Africa's agriculture and agribusiness sector are benefiting from increased market access to its key trading partners, the EU and the US, as well as to sub-Saharan countries, through a number of trade agreements.

Deregulation and market freedom

Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South African agriculture has evolved from a highly regulated and protected industry to one free from all constraints, unsubsidised by government and capable of competing with the best in the world.

The Marketing of Agricultural Products Act of 1996 dramatically changed agricultural marketing in the country by closing agricultural marketing boards, phasing out certain import and export controls, eliminating subsidies, and introducing import tariffs to protect South African farming from unfair international competition.

While a fairly radical process to some old-style producers in South Africa, deregulation has ensured a leaner and stronger agricultural industry, with farmers and agribusiness able to position themselves as players in a globally competitive environment.

Phasing out controls and closing marketing boards led to a short-term shortage of essential services formerly provided by the boards and cooperatives, such as storage, grading, deliveries, value adding, information dissemination and research.

As a result, specialised marketing support institutions, such as the South African Futures Exchange (Safex) and the Agricultural Futures Market of the J.S.E., were established to provide much-needed price risk management mechanisms.

The Big Five

South African's beautiful wild-life. South African's wild-life is amazing their plants are beautiful, the ocean is spectacular, and their animals all revolve around the big five. The animals that are in the big five are the buffalo, leopard, rhino, lion, and elephant.


LIONS - King of Beasts?

Mention a safari to Africa, and one animal springs immediately to mind - lion! This, the so-called King of Beasts, is on everybody's list of animals to see. This fascination is no doubt due to the size and awesome power of this large cat, and its hunting prowess. But it may also have something to do with the human psyche, for our hominid ancestors on the African plains had to contend with lions as competitors and enemies on a daily basis. Perhaps they still dwell deep in our subconscious mind!

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT - Gardeners of the Savannah
The African Elephant is the largest land mammal and perhaps the continent's most charismatic creature. Few animals are as closely linked to the welfare of mankind - for elephants have the potential to greatly modify the vegetation of landscapes, destroy the crops of subsistence farmers as well as create wealth through their valuable ivory tusks. There is little doubt that elephants have played a vital role in the economic history of the continent. Today, visitors to Africa's wildlife reserves and wilderness areas are captivated by the power and grace of these magnificent animals and by their apparent sensitivity and compassion.

WHITE RHINOCEROS - Great Grazer

Perhaps the first thing people wonder about the white rhinoceros is why it has its name. It is certainly not white in colour and actually has the same skin tone as its cousin, the black rhino. In fact, the name is thought to have been derived from the Dutch word "weid" meaning "wide" in reference to the animal's broad, wide mouth.

BLACK RHINOCEROS - Black Beauty

The Black Rhinoceros has a hooked, prehensile nose, carrying its head high on its shoulders, as opposed to the low-hanging head and hump-shoulders of its relative, the grazing White Rhino. Predominantly a browser of short woody trees and shrubs, the Black Rhinoceros uses its pointed upper lip to grasp leaves and twigs, employing its double horns to dig roots or break branches too far out of reach. Its grey, wrinkled skin varies in colour due to the mud and dust in which it frequently wallows to cool down and protect against flies and sun. The two species of African rhino are similar in height, averaging about 1.6m at the shoulder, but the Black Rhinoceros has roughly half the mass of a White Rhinoceros, weighing in at a demure 1000 kg.

BUFFALO - Flanks of Ebony, Horns of Steel

A large herd of buffalo is an unforgettable sight. Heads raised, horns glinting, massive fringed ears and noses twitching in search of danger. Closely related to the domestic cow, the African buffalo is one of the most successful and perhaps ecologically important mammals on the African continent. Buffalo are completely dependent upon surface water, so are absent from arid and semi-arid regions but are widespread and common in savannah, woodland and forest environments. Not surprisingly, however, they provide good meat and few now survive beyond the borders of wildlife reserves and other protected areas. Buffalo are also host to several diseases which are lethal to domestic cattle and so have been eliminated from areas suitable for ranchlands.

LEOPARD - Prince of Darkness

Few animals possess the mysterious aura of the leopard. 'Prince of
Darkness' and 'Silent Hunter' are frequent epithets for this traditionally
elusive cat. Like the lion, the leopard has been held in awe by generations
of people across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Although an infrequent
man-killer, leopards elicit fear and dread among rural people whose
domestic animals may be at risk to these cunning predators. The leopard is
the most adaptable of the large predators and may still be found in close
proximity to man, even, sometimes, on the outskirts of large cities. It is able
to survive in just about any environment, being at home in forest,
savannah, desert, or mountain top. The body of a leopard
was once found in the snowfields on Mount Kilimanjaro
at an altitude of some 4500 metres!

(From the website, "http://www.south-african-lodges.com/big-five.php")

South African's Depending Upon the Environment (Water)

South Africans are depending on the environment nearly every day. South Africans depend on their environment for food supplies, shelter, water, etc. South Africa is now mainly dependent on the environment because of the water shortage. Taps are going dry and many South Africans are dying or getting no ware near the amount of water they need in a day. The South Africans have to depend on the environment to make sure that they get enough water into their wells to have water to live off of. Many pumps now are getting replaced with new pumps put in to control this water crisis and they are called " play pumps ". The play pumps look like a marry-go-round made as a toy for the kids in South Africa because they do not have many toys of their own. The more the pump gets spun in either direction the more clean water that comes out of the ground. The water is then put into a holding tower connected to the pump that stores all the water that has been pumped by the kids. From the holding tower there is a tap that can be used to fill up buckets with clean water. The play pump is also a major source of advertisement. It can advertise many things and can be seen by everyone that uses the pump.The play pump is inexpensive and many celebrities are donating money to make this idea grow. This will also help stop or minimize the cholera crisis and can save many lives.

The people in Zimbabwe are getting infected with this preventable disease, called "cholera". These people are dying by the thousands each day. This disease shuts down your body and vital organs and eventually kills you. This could be prevented just by getting dirty water purified into clean water. Cholera is caused by people drinking other peoples bodily waste. So if you clean the water the disease will be minimized and/or be eliminated. The play pump fixes this problem because it gets clean water easier and much cleaner water than the other pumps. Since the Zimbabweans have the cholera disease the people who have this disease, are fleeing to South Africa because in Zimbabwe the president is doing nothing to help them at all. So the South Africans are getting this disease as well, because it is easily spread throughout people. Before the cholera outbreak the South African's were very dependent on the water and now even more , even though they are dying because of this and because cholera is easily spread through water.

Something to leave you thinking:

1) What would you do if you were in the Zimbabweans place ?

2) What would you do if you were in South Africa and infected people were fleeing into your country ?

3) Do you think this play pump idea will save lives ?

4) What would you do to stay safe if this water crisis was happening to you ?

5) What would you do to clean the infected water you are living off to help prevent the cholera disease?