Capturing Water: A documentary that connects activism and hope during the water crisis

The release screening on November 30 of the documentary Capturing Water, directed by Rehad Desai, drew attention to urgent water justice issues facing communities in Johannesburg.

Read more: Johannesburg Water answers residents questions concerning the water crisis

The event, hosted by Ubuntu Productions in partnership with the UJ Centre for Social Change, showcased the struggles of activists fighting against water injustice and inequality.

The film explores three organised struggles within the city: Working-class activists campaigning against water restriction devices and the privatisation of water, an activist farmer engaged in litigation to prevent the city from cementing over an aquifer crucial to affordable food production, and a suburban activist advocating for the cessation of sewage flow into vital wetlands.

By connecting various water entities across Johannesburg, Capturing Water provides fresh insights into activism and hope, and challenges prevailing narratives around the so-called ‘Day Zero’, which has gained international traction amid global concerns about urban water shortages.

In his remarks, Desai painted a grim picture of the current water crisis, stating: “We have a situation where half of our water is being lost. We need to start asking ourselves the hard questions. Water is in short supply, and our water sources are being squeezed because they cannot meet the demand. This trend will continue across our province in the coming years.”

His comments highlight the pressing need for awareness and action regarding water management and conservation.

Ferrial Adam, an activist from WaterCAN and part of the Johannesburg Water Forum, emphasised the importance of unity among communities facing water challenges. She remarked on the fragmented nature of protests, stating that it allows government to ignore the broader issues.

“When there are water challenges, protests erupt in places like Alexandra, and then there will be protests in Coronationville a week later. This pattern allows the government to sidestep accountability,” Adam explained. She urged for solidarity among various communities, stating: “We need to unite our voices and show solidarity in our struggles.

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“It is crucial for people to understand their rights when it comes to water. We need to hold the government accountable.”

The screening also addressed the deteriorating state of Johannesburg’s water infrastructure, with Adam warning that water shedding is likely to become the new norm. “Our current water quality is safe, but as cuts to infrastructure increase, we will face greater challenges regarding water quality,” she noted.

Reflecting on recent protests, Adam recounted the Westbury protest, where a small group of activists gathered to raise awareness about local water issues. “Even though we were few, we connected with people from Emmarentia, Johannesburg South, and North to highlight that the issues faced in Westbury are not isolated, but part of a national struggle,” she said.

This sentiment resonated with the audience, highlighting the need for collective action and awareness across communities.

The Johannesburg Water Forum has been actively challenging the state on water infrastructure issues and has made strides toward accountability. “We plan to conduct site visits to assess the current systems and report back to the community,” said Adam.

She further expressed hope that these actions would foster greater engagement and collaboration among activists.

Deputy chairperson of United Front and an organiser of the Climate Justice Coalition Shezi Cleopatra spoke passionately about the impact of the screening, stating: “The showing of Capturing Water is powerful. It is crucial for people to understand the realities behind water shedding, especially since the most affected are often the most vulnerable.” Her comments underscore the film’s importance in raising awareness about the systemic issues surrounding water access and management.

The film serves as a call to arms for communities to unite and confront the pressing challenges posed by the water crisis.

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