Jukskei River
Daylight Point, Johannesburg - South Africa
Rehabilitation of the upper Jukskei River through community participation, green technology, and enterprise.
In a poor and neglected corner of Johannesburg city, at the backend of industrial blocks, the start of the Jukskei River has long been bricked up. Here, the fresh water of underground springs is contaminated by untreated sewerage from broken infrastructure, industrial waste, and rubbish. What should be an asset for the community is a hazard and a health risk.
Through restoring the ecological integrity of this waterway, Water for the Future is working to create a river-based economy and vibrant social identity. Our work, along a 7km stretch from the river’s source in Lorentzville downstream to Bruma Lake, serves as a catalyst for implementing green ideas and community-based sustainable design, creating access to opportunities through technical and creative skills development.
Founded in 2017, we are a citizen-led NGO concerned with improving the plight of the river and its surrounds. We establish and nurture relationships between City officials, local businesses and resident communities. With the support of interested role-players, Water for the Future envisions an accessible, walkable, green corridor along the waterway that enables a thriving ecosystem and the economic prosperity, health and well-being of Johannesburg’s citizens.
Read more about the three prongs of our outcomes-based strategy to bring health, wealth and biodiversity to the Jukskei headwaters. You can also view all we are doing to establish and nurture relationships between stakeholders, businesses and resident communities, and explore current issues associated with our work and the river.
Image: The Jukskei River joins a network to the Indian Ocean
Ecology
As the city grew, the original springs and wetlands of the upper Jukskei were decimated. With science, partnerships and hard labour, we are slowly bringing the river function back.
Economy
Every step of rehabilitating the river presents opportunities for enterprise development, skills training and jobs. Water for the Future collaborates to produce economic-focused outcomes.
Community
Through the river restoration, we are promoting neighborhood reinvestment and equitable access. Our projects generate social interaction and creative cohesion.
Information portal
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Read key reports on the local and global state of climate change and water conservation.
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Source list of special reports on the site, and an expanding bibliography.
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Our organisation has been covered widely online and in the press.
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Read news associated with social, environmental and economic issues that motivate and inspire our work.
