Saving Our Resources Together: Collaborative Struggles and Triumphs of the Alexandra Water Warriors

Abstract

Alexandra Water Warriors (AWW) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges surrounding water resources in Alexandra, situated in Gauteng Province, Johannesburg. Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and registered in 2022, AWW has emerged as a formidable force in environmental conservation and community development. The organisation's establishment was driven by the aspiration to revitalise the Jukskei River, facing dramatic problems of pollution. AWW places a strong emphasis on community participation, education, and sustainable water development to create a positive impact on both the environment and the local economy. The organisation began with a dedicated cadre of 250 volunteers and has grown exponentially into a force of 2000 individuals. These volunteers are strategically positioned across 15 sites along the Jukskei River and within the heart of Alexandra township. Our commitment goes beyond the neighbourhood, it stems from the urgent need to actively defend and promote South Africa's water rights while striving for the restoration and preservation of the nation's rivers. As we are a community-based organisation, driven by local residents in Alexandra, we are willing to engage and collaborate with researchers and the academic community, as well as to share our experience, challenges and methods with the national and international audience.