MAY JUNE PORTFOLIO 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
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Due Date: 2 June 2025
SECTION A GENERAL ORIENTATION AND CONTEXT OF THE PLAN
1.1. SDG 6 and Target 6.4
Water scarcity is becoming a serious and growing concern in South Africa. The country
already faces challenges due to its semi-arid climate, uneven rainfall patterns, high
levels of water pollution, and rising water demand. According to the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, the global community must ―ensure availability
and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.‖ Within this goal, Target 6.4
specifically focuses on increasing water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensuring
sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater. This target is especially important for
South Africa, given the country’s limited water resources and the predicted increase in
drought events. Terms of use
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SECTION A GENERAL ORIENTATION AND CONTEXT OF THE PLAN
1.1. SDG 6 and Target 6.4
Water scarcity is becoming a serious and growing concern in South Africa. The
country already faces challenges due to its semi-arid climate, uneven rainfall
patterns, high levels of water pollution, and rising water demand. According to the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, the global community must
―ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.‖
Within this goal, Target 6.4 specifically focuses on increasing water-use efficiency
across all sectors and ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
This target is especially important for South Africa, given the country’s limited water
resources and the predicted increase in drought events.
Water-use efficiency means making better use of each litre of water. This includes
using less water to produce the same amount of crops, goods, or services. It also
involves reducing water losses through leaks, poor infrastructure, and
mismanagement. For South Africa, which is classified by the World Resources
Institute as a water-stressed country, improving water-use efficiency is not just
desirable—it is essential for the survival and growth of its people, economy, and
environment (UN Water, 2022).
The importance of developing water-use efficiency plans lies in the need to prepare
for future water shortages caused by climate change, population growth,
urbanisation, and poor water management. South Africa’s population is expected to
continue growing, especially in urban areas. This places greater demand on already
stressed water supply systems. Without efficient water management, these systems
may fail, leading to water shortages, higher costs, and public health risks.
Furthermore, climate models suggest that the country will experience longer and
more severe droughts in the coming decades. If water use is not reduced or used
more wisely, both human and ecological systems will be at risk (Department of
Water and Sanitation, 2018).
In addition, the South African economy is highly dependent on water-intensive
sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. These sectors cannot
function without a stable and reliable water supply. For example, agriculture alone
uses over 60% of the country’s available water. If farmers continue to use inefficient
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.