Building Community Awareness on Water and Climate Change in Dealesville

“It is very important for us as a community to learn more about climate change and water challenges, and how they affect our lives. Climate change impacts us in many ways, and it is important for our communities to understand it,” says Boniwe Maijane. 

Local organisation, Otsile Bokamoso recently hosted a Water and Climate Resilience Workshop in Dealesville to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and climate resilience. The workshop aimed to educate community members about how climate change and water challenges affect everyday life, while also encouraging communities to think about the role they can play in protecting local resources. 

Community members, including Ward Councillor Tebogo Tebang, gathered at the community hall to learn more about climate and water resilience. The event created an opportunity for residents to engage in meaningful discussions about the importance of water management and the shared responsibility of protecting the environment. 

During the discussion, Councillor Tebang highlighted one of the key challenges affecting water access in the community.
“The reason we struggle with water in our community is partly due to theft. The stealing of pumping cables in Dealesville often results in water shortages,” he explained. 

Community members reflected on how the workshop helped them better understand the water challenges facing their community and the impact of climate change on their daily lives. Many participants emphasised that learning together as a community creates opportunities to identify solutions and support one another. 

Another community member, Nelly Phukuntsi, shared the importance of ongoing education and awareness.
“It is good that we have workshops like this in our community. We need more information so that we can take care of our water and teach our children about protecting the environment,” she said. 

The workshop reinforced an important message: climate change, water conservation, and community responsibility are closely connected. By sharing knowledge and working together, communities can become more informed, resilient, and better prepared to respond to water and climate challenges in the future.