The fourth Sunday in September was World Rivers Day, a global celebration of waterways. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the day highlights the value of rivers and reminds the public to care for natural water sources.

DWS spokesperson Themba Khoza highlighted the importance of rivers in an opinion piece, stating they are crucial for socio-economic development and are a source of life.

“Rivers provide not only drinking water, but also food, energy, recreation, hygiene, irrigation and a better environment,” stated Khoza.

Rivers provide water, support biodiversity, regulate climates and even sustain cultural traditions. According to Khoza, rivers everywhere face several threats, including fragmentation and pollution, and are often undermined by climate change.

The biggest threats to rivers remain pollution, such as chemical runoff from industrial, mining and agricultural activities, as well as waste from settlements. These factors harm the quality of the fresh river water and aquatic life.

“Pollution is a serious threat to our rivers and is a man-made problem,” stated Khoza.

The DWS urges the public to accept responsibility and stop dumping in water sources, as it affects water quality and blocks their natural flow. Municipalities must maintain wastewater treatment plants to prevent spillages.

“World Rivers Day is a call to action to ensure the health of our rivers for future generations,” concluded Khoza.