ENG1504
EXAM PACK
,ENG1504
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Due 2025
ENG1504
Assignment 1: Exceptional Responses
Semester 2 – Due 2025
Minutes for Agenda Item 2.2: Approaches to Securing Reliable Water Supply in
Soshangana Township
Discussion on Possible Approaches to Ensuring Water Availability
The meeting proceeded to address agenda item 2.2, which dealt with strategies for
resolving the persistent water shortages in Soshangana Township. The Chairperson,
Ms. Tancred, initiated the discussion by outlining the ongoing difficulties faced by
residents due to unreliable water provision. She emphasized that this situation placed a
severe financial strain on households, particularly unemployed families and those
relying on old-age grants, who were compelled to buy water from neighboring villages.
The aim of the discussion was to identify realistic and sustainable solutions that would
guarantee the community a steady water supply.
Members suggested several strategies to tackle the challenge. One of the main
proposals was to intensify engagement with the Bakwena Municipality by submitting a
formal petition to the Municipal Manager. This petition would demand urgent
intervention to repair and restore the water infrastructure. It would also include a record
of the community’s grievances and refer to the constitutional right to water under
Section 27(1)(b) of the South African Constitution (Republic of South Africa,
1996). Mr. Khumalo stressed the importance of forming a community-led task team to
track municipal responses and enforce accountability, noting that past engagements
with the Ward Councillor had not been productive. His proposal was accepted, with the
,understanding that the task team should consist of representatives from across different
community sectors to strengthen credibility and effectiveness.
Another idea centered on forging partnerships with non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) specializing in water provision. Ms. Ndlovu pointed to successful examples in
other rural municipalities, such as the collaboration between the Mvula Trust and
communities in Limpopo, which led to borehole installations (Mvula Trust, 2020). She
recommended reaching out to similar organizations to explore the possibility of installing
boreholes or rainwater harvesting systems in Soshangana. However, Mr. Sithole raised
concerns about sustainability, pointing out the costly maintenance requirements of
boreholes and the technical expertise needed, which could overwhelm the community’s
limited resources. The meeting concluded that a cost-benefit analysis should be
conducted before proceeding. Ms. Ndlovu was tasked with investigating potential NGO
partners and presenting her findings at the next meeting.
A third strategy focused on community-driven protests to raise media and public
awareness about the water crisis. Mr. Mthembu argued that peaceful demonstrations
could pressure the municipality to prioritize Soshangana’s water needs, citing the
effectiveness of protests in spotlighting service delivery failures in other areas
(Alexander, 2010). However, Ms. Tancred warned of the risks, including possible
divisions within the community and potential clashes with law enforcement, referencing
violent outcomes of protests in other municipalities (Duncan, 2016). Members agreed
that any protest actions should be thoroughly planned, with clear goals and adherence
to legal procedures. It was proposed that the community seek guidance from legal aid
organizations to ensure compliance.
The meeting also explored the necessity of short-term relief measures. Ms. Dlamini
suggested negotiating with neighboring villages to access temporary water at reduced
prices, possibly through the formation of a community cooperative. This idea was
welcomed, as it could ease immediate financial hardships for households. A
subcommittee led by Ms. Dlamini was formed to investigate this possibility and report
back within two weeks.
, Critical Review of the Proposed Strategies
The strategies outlined illustrate a multi-dimensional approach to the water crisis,
combining advocacy, partnerships, and community activism. The petition and task team
proposal are in line with participatory governance models, which stress citizen
involvement in ensuring accountability of public institutions (Cornwall & Coelho, 2007).
However, their effectiveness may be limited by the municipality’s willingness to engage,
especially given earlier failed negotiations with the Ward Councillor.
The recommendation to partner with NGOs reflects community-based water
provision models that have been successful elsewhere. Yet, concerns about financial
and technical sustainability highlight the necessity of strong planning and external
support to prevent long-term dependency (Harvey & Reed, 2007).
The suggestion of protests represents a confrontational tactic, consistent with social
movement theory, where collective action is used to demand institutional change (Tilly,
2004). Nevertheless, risks of escalation and fragmentation within the community
underscore the importance of careful organization to maintain unity and avoid harmful
outcomes.
Finally, the short-term relief option of purchasing water from nearby villages
demonstrates a practical and immediate solution, but it also raises issues of fairness
and scalability, since households with more resources may benefit disproportionately.
Resolutions
Draft a formal petition to the Municipal Manager, to be submitted within one
month, outlining the demand for improved water infrastructure.
Establish a community-led task team to oversee municipal responses, with
representatives to be nominated at the next meeting.
EXAM PACK
,ENG1504
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Due 2025
ENG1504
Assignment 1: Exceptional Responses
Semester 2 – Due 2025
Minutes for Agenda Item 2.2: Approaches to Securing Reliable Water Supply in
Soshangana Township
Discussion on Possible Approaches to Ensuring Water Availability
The meeting proceeded to address agenda item 2.2, which dealt with strategies for
resolving the persistent water shortages in Soshangana Township. The Chairperson,
Ms. Tancred, initiated the discussion by outlining the ongoing difficulties faced by
residents due to unreliable water provision. She emphasized that this situation placed a
severe financial strain on households, particularly unemployed families and those
relying on old-age grants, who were compelled to buy water from neighboring villages.
The aim of the discussion was to identify realistic and sustainable solutions that would
guarantee the community a steady water supply.
Members suggested several strategies to tackle the challenge. One of the main
proposals was to intensify engagement with the Bakwena Municipality by submitting a
formal petition to the Municipal Manager. This petition would demand urgent
intervention to repair and restore the water infrastructure. It would also include a record
of the community’s grievances and refer to the constitutional right to water under
Section 27(1)(b) of the South African Constitution (Republic of South Africa,
1996). Mr. Khumalo stressed the importance of forming a community-led task team to
track municipal responses and enforce accountability, noting that past engagements
with the Ward Councillor had not been productive. His proposal was accepted, with the
,understanding that the task team should consist of representatives from across different
community sectors to strengthen credibility and effectiveness.
Another idea centered on forging partnerships with non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) specializing in water provision. Ms. Ndlovu pointed to successful examples in
other rural municipalities, such as the collaboration between the Mvula Trust and
communities in Limpopo, which led to borehole installations (Mvula Trust, 2020). She
recommended reaching out to similar organizations to explore the possibility of installing
boreholes or rainwater harvesting systems in Soshangana. However, Mr. Sithole raised
concerns about sustainability, pointing out the costly maintenance requirements of
boreholes and the technical expertise needed, which could overwhelm the community’s
limited resources. The meeting concluded that a cost-benefit analysis should be
conducted before proceeding. Ms. Ndlovu was tasked with investigating potential NGO
partners and presenting her findings at the next meeting.
A third strategy focused on community-driven protests to raise media and public
awareness about the water crisis. Mr. Mthembu argued that peaceful demonstrations
could pressure the municipality to prioritize Soshangana’s water needs, citing the
effectiveness of protests in spotlighting service delivery failures in other areas
(Alexander, 2010). However, Ms. Tancred warned of the risks, including possible
divisions within the community and potential clashes with law enforcement, referencing
violent outcomes of protests in other municipalities (Duncan, 2016). Members agreed
that any protest actions should be thoroughly planned, with clear goals and adherence
to legal procedures. It was proposed that the community seek guidance from legal aid
organizations to ensure compliance.
The meeting also explored the necessity of short-term relief measures. Ms. Dlamini
suggested negotiating with neighboring villages to access temporary water at reduced
prices, possibly through the formation of a community cooperative. This idea was
welcomed, as it could ease immediate financial hardships for households. A
subcommittee led by Ms. Dlamini was formed to investigate this possibility and report
back within two weeks.
, Critical Review of the Proposed Strategies
The strategies outlined illustrate a multi-dimensional approach to the water crisis,
combining advocacy, partnerships, and community activism. The petition and task team
proposal are in line with participatory governance models, which stress citizen
involvement in ensuring accountability of public institutions (Cornwall & Coelho, 2007).
However, their effectiveness may be limited by the municipality’s willingness to engage,
especially given earlier failed negotiations with the Ward Councillor.
The recommendation to partner with NGOs reflects community-based water
provision models that have been successful elsewhere. Yet, concerns about financial
and technical sustainability highlight the necessity of strong planning and external
support to prevent long-term dependency (Harvey & Reed, 2007).
The suggestion of protests represents a confrontational tactic, consistent with social
movement theory, where collective action is used to demand institutional change (Tilly,
2004). Nevertheless, risks of escalation and fragmentation within the community
underscore the importance of careful organization to maintain unity and avoid harmful
outcomes.
Finally, the short-term relief option of purchasing water from nearby villages
demonstrates a practical and immediate solution, but it also raises issues of fairness
and scalability, since households with more resources may benefit disproportionately.
Resolutions
Draft a formal petition to the Municipal Manager, to be submitted within one
month, outlining the demand for improved water infrastructure.
Establish a community-led task team to oversee municipal responses, with
representatives to be nominated at the next meeting.
