Reshomile Primary School celebrates national water week in style
Grade 7 learners at Reshomile Primary School in Diepsloot had a chance to learn about the importance of saving water, and to get answers for their well-known question: Where does water actually come from?
As part of national water week, themed: Water and gender, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) brought an inspiring environmental education event to Reshomile Primary School in Diepsloot on March 18.
The school was selected from across Region A for its ongoing partnership with JCPZ, and status as a disadvantaged institution, where such opportunities are rare.
Environmental education specialist Ignatia Nkgapele said the event aims to empower learners to adopt water-wise habits at school and at home.
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“My highlight was the creation of a water-wise garden, serving as both a learning tool and a peaceful recreational space for pupils.”
Collaborating with the Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development (GDARD), Rand Water, and various organisations, the programme featured interactive exhibitions, educational talks, practical experiments, and creative activities.
Exhibitors engaged learners with interactive insights into water’s journey from source to tap, highlighting its critical role in poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Victor Hlungwani, a water quality facilitator from Rand Water, said: “Water is essential to life, and we all have a responsibility to protect it. Simple daily actions like closing taps while brushing your teeth, limiting showers, and properly disposing of waste can make a big difference.
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Communities must also play their part by reporting leaks and paying for services to ensure infrastructure is maintained. Being water-wise is not just a choice; it’s a necessity for our future.” He encouraged learners to promise to be water-wise and support a healthy world.
Patience Maponyane, an educator at the school, said they have ongoing water shortages at the school, which disrupt lessons. “Sometimes [they] force us to dismiss learners early. This highlights the urgent need for solutions like JoJo tanks.
“We also integrate food gardening into subjects like social sciences, teaching learners to grow organic vegetables. It not only helps them save money and become more self-reliant; it also reinforces the importance of using water responsibly.”
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