Community-Led Water Testing in Sakhisizwe Local Municipal area

Over the past few years, CALUSA has convened a series of community seminars to discuss pressing challenges facing residents of the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality. Across these engagements, one issue has consistently emerged as urgent and widespread: water.

Participants from Cala, Elliot (Khowa), and surrounding villages raised serious concerns about the quality of water in their areas. Many reported water that is brown in colour, visibly dirty, and unsafe for drinking. These concerns highlighted the need not only to talk about the water crisis, but to begin gathering evidence that communities can use to demand accountability and solutions.

In response, CALUSA, working in collaboration with the Sakhisizwe Information & Research Centre (SIRC), intensified its water-focused work in 2025. A series of water seminars were held, bringing together community representatives from across the municipality. One of the key outcomes of these discussions was the establishment of a Water Forum, aimed at coordinating community responses to the water crisis.

As part of this process, CALUSA approached WaterCan for support in scientifically testing local water sources. WaterCan agreed to assist by providing training, testing kits, and ongoing technical support.

In July 2025, WaterCan conducted virtual training for community volunteers selected by CALUSA and SIRC. The training equipped participants with the skills needed to test water quality and accurately record results.

A total of 18 community testers have since been trained, drawn from both Cala and Elliot, as well as surrounding villages. These volunteers are now actively involved in testing water sources in their communities.

WaterCan provides:

• Water testing kits

• Technical support and regular check-ins

• An online system where test results are uploaded and stored

The results of the tests are publicly available through WaterCan’s website, ensuring transparency and credibility.

Water testing is currently ongoing. While several areas have already been covered, there are still parts of Cala and nearby villages that are yet to be tested. CALUSA and its partners are continuing to expand coverage to ensure that as many communities as possible are included.

Once testing across most areas is complete, a consolidated report will be requested and shared with:

• Community members

• Civil society organisations

• Relevant authorities

This report will play a crucial role in strengthening community advocacy for safe, clean, and reliable water.

Community-led water testing empowers residents to move beyond complaints and anecdotal evidence. By generating credible data, communities are better positioned to:

• Understand the risks they face

• Hold authorities accountable

• Advocate for sustainable and people-centred water solutions

This work forms part of CALUSA’s broader water campaign, which seeks to build people’s power in addressing the water crisis in Sakhisizwe.