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Water hyacinths at the Hartebeersport dam. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

A 50-year seed bank and tiny hoppers: Hartbeespoort’s water hyacinth battle

Tiny biocontrol insects, released by the Centre for Biological Control, are preventing flowering and suppressing growth — a long-term solution to South Africa’s most problematic…

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
A highly invasive weed now covers the entire Vaalkop Dam. (Photos: Centre for Biological Control)
COMMON SALVINIA SOUTH AFRICA ALIEN INVASIVE PLANTS IN DAMS

New water crisis threatens as invasive plants overrun North West’s Vaalkop Dam

The dam is the main source of water for drinking, agriculture and industry, but officials have been ‘ignoring’ the problem since 2017

  • Sheree Bega
9 min read
Water hyacinth, native to South America, is described as the world’s worst aquatic weed. It thrives in nutrient-enriched waters like Hartbeespoort Dam, forming dense impenetrable mats that affect boating, fishing and water sport activities and harms aquatic biodiversity. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Tiny bugs reduce water hyacinth on Hartbeespoort Dam to 5%

Biological control is effective but the real solution would be to fix wastewater treatment plants in Joburg and Pretoria and stop sewage spills

  • Sheree Bega
9 min read
The survey found that although the proportion of respondents who are connected to piped water remains high (92% in 2023-24), the percentage of respondents who believe their water is “always clean” declined from 75% in 2020-21 to 60% in 2023-24. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)
CHOLERA

Portable treatment plant to supply drinking water to Hammanskraal by March next year

The Rooiwal wastewater treatment works is set for a R4 billion upgrade

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
GUGILE NWINTI

Phineas Legodi resigns from water board after latest court defeat

Lepelle Northern Water chief executive Phineas Legodi throws in the towel after losing fourth interdict application

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read