South Africa’s water resources are under growing pressure, with pollution, climate change, and population growth exacerbating water security concerns. With National Water Week (20-26 March 2025) in mind, the importance of educating the next generation on water conservation and environmental responsibility has never been more urgent. While government policies play a critical role, the active participation of communities, particularly young people, is essential for a sustainable future.
Studies show that interactive learning tools are highly effective in shaping children’s understanding of sustainability. A study by Oxford University Press found that ‘kindness’ was selected as the Children’s Word of the Year for 2024, highlighting a growing awareness among young people of their impact on others and the environment. With global challenges like climate change increasingly shaping their perspectives, early education on sustainability is crucial.
However, research on environmental literacy among South African children in the foundation phase remains limited. How many young learners truly understand concepts like sustainability, pollution, and water conservation?
Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental threats. Every year, millions of plastic bottles and bags enter the ocean, endangering marine life. A single plastic bottle can persist for 450 years in the marine environment, breaking into microplastics that never fully disappear. Much of this pollution stems from single-use plastics, which could be reduced by simple habits such as refilling reusable water bottles instead of discarding disposable ones. Yet, encouraging these habits requires early education and engagement.
The South African Water Compendium, released by the Water Research Commission, emphasises that citizens play an important role in water security. The report highlights that South Africa cannot achieve a water-secure future without community involvement. It calls for initiatives that promote active participation in conservation efforts, educate the public on water management, and empower citizens to engage in decision-making processes.
Interactive learning tools, such as activity books, workshops, and hands-on environmental programmes, can be highly effective in instilling these values from a young age.
Various youth initiatives in South Africa are already making strides in this regard. The South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) and WESSA’s WASH programme are designed to empower young people to tackle water security challenges and implement sustainable practices in their communities. Additionally, WESSA has partnered with UNICEF on the Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project, an initiative aimed at equipping young South Africans with the knowledge and tools to address water challenges.
Interactive educational materials, such as activity and colouring books, have been identified as effective ways to engage children in environmental topics. Visual and hands-on activities improve knowledge retention and boosts creativity. One such example is Oasis Water’s newly released free colouring and activity book, which introduces young learners to key environmental themes in an engaging and accessible way.
By allowing children to explore water conservation through fun, interactive content, these resources help build a strong foundation for lifelong sustainability habits.
“We’ve seen an incredible response to the book because it presents environmental education as a fun, interactive experience rather than homework,” say Delamaine du Toit, Marketing Director at Oasis Water. “When learning feels like play, children naturally absorb the message and begin to make small but meaningful changes in their daily habits.”
With National Water Week in March, individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability by making small but meaningful changes in their daily lives.
Here are six practical steps to help conserve water and reduce pollution:
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth – This simple habit can save up to 6 litres of water per minute.
- Fix leaks – A dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water annually.
- Refill, don’t discard – Using a reusable water bottle significantly reduces plastic waste.
- Collect rainwater – Harvesting rainwater for outdoor use conserves municipal water supplies.
- Choose water-wise plants – Indigenous and drought-resistant plants require less watering.
- Ensure water purity – Drinking water should undergo a six-step purification process, including reverse osmosis, to remove bacteria, impurities, and dissolved solids.
Raising awareness about sustainability and water conservation must begin with our youngest citizens. By integrating interactive educational tools into school curriculums and home learning environments, we can equip the next generation with the knowledge and habits necessary to safeguard South Africa’s water future.