SA could 'run dry' by 2050

Johannesburg - Stakeholders have raised concerns that South Africa would experience critical water shortage by 2050 if innovative programmes are not urgently put in place, according to an article in the Business Report.

Industry insiders said the agricultural sector would have to find more innovative ways to reduce water usage while maintaining food production.

Some experts pointed out that even though South Africa is a water scarce country, millions of kilolitres are wasted every month due to poor municipal infrastructure, the report said.

Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi reportedly said independent research revealed that by 2050 there would be no water left if changes were not made.

However, she said the department had programmes in place for water conservation and water harvesting, which could help avoid “the catastrophe of not having water by 2050”.

The agricultural sector uses the largest quantity of water, consuming 60% of the water that is used economically.

However, this is still less than the international norm, which stands at 63% to 65% of national use, according to the research.

AgriSA president Johannes Moller told Business Report about 25% of farm production relies on irrigation. It is labour intensive and generates employment.

“If you take that away, we could lose 25% of food production.”