The banks of the Apies River in Pretoria North became a hive of activity on Monday as government officials, environmental organisations, schools and community volunteers united to launch the 2026 Clear Rivers Campaign.

The launch brings renewed hope for one of Gauteng’s most polluted waterways.

The initiative, led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, forms part of a nationwide campaign encouraging South Africans to dedicate their time to clean rivers, wetlands, streams and other freshwater ecosystems, while promoting responsible environmental stewardship.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom said protecting South Africa’s rivers requires a collective effort from all citizens.

“Our rivers are the lifeblood of our communities, our economy and our ecosystems. Their protection cannot be left to [the] government alone.

“Every South African has a responsibility to prevent pollution, report illegal dumping and become an active custodian of our water resources,” said Bloom.

He warned that while clean-up campaigns help restore rivers, they only address the visible effects of pollution.

“Sustainable improvements require us to address the root causes of pollution, including illegal dumping, deteriorating wastewater infrastructure and the discharge of untreated sewage into our rivers,” he said.

Bloom noted that the Apies River has suffered years of sewage spills, industrial pollution and urban waste, leaving it unsafe for human contact and threatening biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems.

He also highlighted the findings of the 2025 Green Drop Report, which found that nearly half of South Africa’s municipal wastewater treatment systems are in a critical state.

To improve accountability, Bloom announced that the department is establishing a National Polluters Register to identify those responsible for contaminating the country’s water resources.

Acting Deputy Director-General for water resources management Dr Moloko Matlala described the Apies River as a historically significant water resource that continues to support communities, biodiversity and local livelihoods.

“The Apies River remains an important natural asset, and we encourage communities to become active participants in its protection through our Adopt-a-River Programme,” said Matlala.

He said the programme enables residents to monitor river health through citizen science initiatives such as the mini Stream Assessment Scoring System (miniSASS), helping foster community ownership and sustainable river management.

Matlala also recognised the dedication of the Environmental Warriors, led by citizen scientist Noloyiso Mbiza, whose volunteers have been conducting regular clean-up operations along the Apies River since 2023.

One of the day’s most inspiring moments came from a nine-year-old learner from Laerskool Akasia, representing the Environmental Warriors, who encouraged fellow young people to become environmental ambassadors.

“Protecting our rivers begins with each one of us taking responsibility for our environment,” the learner told attendees.

Following the official launch, Bloom, government officials, youth volunteers, environmental organisations and community members worked side by side to remove litter and debris from the riverbanks, a low-water bridge and sections of the river channel.

Representatives from Plastics SA, Rand Water, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the Tshwane Metro, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and other environmental partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on river conservation, environmental education and responsible waste management.

The department urged residents, schools, businesses and community organisations in the north to adopt rivers in their communities, report pollution and participate in regular clean-up campaigns to help secure South Africa’s precious water resources for future generations.

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