South Africa is experiencing a water paradox. Communities in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern and Western Cape have lost homes and loved ones to devastating floods, while members in communities across Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Free State struggle with contaminated water, failing infrastructure, and chronic shortages.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be “drowning while thirsting” and how climate change, inequality, and failing public infrastructure are reshaping everyday life. Through stories from affected communities, we examine who bears the burden of South Africa’s water crisis and what water justice could look like. This podcast is hosted by Nomfundo Mkaba (Omama Bemvelo) was has lived through the floods in KwaZulu-Natal in 2022 with guests Tshidiso Monare (West Rand Community Association) and Ncamiso Mnisi (Carolina Eco Green), who are facing water shortages in Bekkersdal, Gauteng, and contaminated water in Carolina, Mpumalanga, respectively. Poem about water rights by Ncamiso Mnisi · Poem about water justice by Nomfundo Mkhaba · CJC focus on water · Website · Facebook · Instagram