By Everson Luhanga
- Researchers warn that dirty water and deadly heat waves already put local families at great risk across the country today.
- One ecologist watched a strong river in Limpopo completely dry up over ten years of studying the local water supply.
Extreme weather is destroying South African food and water supplies. Heat, floods and dry weather are putting families, farms and rivers at great risk.
The changing climate is already turning deadly. Severe floods in KwaZulu-Natal killed 400 people and destroyed 4,000 homes in 2025.
The situation could get much worse. Tlou Ramaru from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued a strong warning. He said the changing weather could destroy up to 50% of farm production in the country by the year 2050.
The country is running out of drinking water. South Africa already uses more water than it can supply to its people.
Aquatic ecologist Dr Pfananani Ramulifho spent ten years checking the Luvuvhu River in Limpopo. He watched the strong river turn into a completely dry riverbed.
The water that is left is often dirty and dangerous. Professor Liza Korsten from the University of Pretoria warned that polluted water spreads diseases through the soil, crops and farm animals. She said floods increase the spread of dangerous infections linked to these animals.
Professor Norman Maiwashe from the Agricultural Research Council said this crisis threatens jobs and food production. He said local communities face heavy pressure from land damage and water shortages.
Scientists spoke about these dangers at a national meeting ahead of International Climate Day on 15 May. They asked the government to protect river catchment areas, improve sanitation and invest in stronger farming methods.
They also want to use artificial intelligence and satellite technology to track floods, dry spells and crop failures.
Pictured above: A cattle farm.
Image source: File
