This book provides unique insights into the complex issue of water security in South Africa. Based on qualitative research conducted through face-to-face structured interviews and focus group discussions with individuals, traditional leaders, municipal officials, researchers, businesspeople and farmers in the two local governments – the Sekhukhune District and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipalities – it focuses on the peoples’ understanding of the concept of water security and whether they believe that the municipalities have achieved water security for all. The research is supported by water security-related statistics, particularly those pertaining to water quality and quantity, and an extensive literature review for the concept of water security. In addition to assessing the state of water security in both municipalities, the book presents a new water security definition and typology, and offers valuable recommendations for future research.
Richard Meissner is a Senior Researcher at the Natural Resources and Environment Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. He holds a D.Phil. in International Politics and specialises in a number of areas ranging from water security at the local government level to the analysis of transboundary river basins.
Karen Nortje is a Senior Researcher at the CSIR. Her key competencies lie in researching and understanding socio-economic and socio-cultural issues, and conducting research at the local and individual level of society. Her expertise includes understanding community organisation, working with communities at the local and regional level, and gauging social, cultural, and socio-economic impacts.
Maronel Steyn holds an M.Tech. in Environmental Health. She has considerable experience in water and health-related research projects examining e.g. chemical and microbiological human health risk, environmental epidemiology, drinking water treatment, wastewater reuse, health economics, burden of disease, and health-related guideline development.
Nikki Funke is a Senior Researcher at the Integrated Water Solutions Research Group, CSIR. Her particular strength lies in the critical analysis of the governance, institutional and policy dynamics of the South African water and environmental sectors. She also has experience in scenario and strategy development, and has a strong interest in the development of a theory-based understanding of evidence-informed decision-making in South Africa.
