Over the next two days the Water and Sanitation Ministry is hosting a National Water and Sanitation Indaba in Gauteng. SCOUTS South Africa was identified as an organisation that encourages youth to address the Sustainable Development Goals and implements innovative methods to raise awareness, to enhance education on being water wise and adopting positive behaviours. We are excited and grateful for the recognition, and for being given the opportunity to exhibit at the event and to showcase what Scouting is all about.

The indaba, whose focus is water security and water provision, takes place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, a significant period that underpins the importance of water as a fundamental human right and a critical resource for socio-economic development. The timing also underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation challenges to uphold the dignity and well-being of all South Africans.

Given South Africa’s classification as a water-scarce country, with rainfall levels significantly below the global average and further exacerbated by climate change, the Indaba will prioritise the development of a high-level national turnaround plan on water security, addressing SDGS 6 and 11.

With thanks to Justice Ngomo, Kgomotso Mthi, and Gauteng Regional Commissioner Angus Hay for representing SCOUTS South Africa at the Indaba. With thanks to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Megan Piller, Mark Bannister, Rochelle Booyens and Doug Rix for making it possible.