ENG1504
Assignment 1
Detailed Answer
Semester 2 Due 2025
, ENG1504
Assignment 1: Detailed Answers
Semester 2 Due 2025
Minutes of the Meeting: Agenda Item 2.2 – Possible Ways to Get Adequate Supply
of Water in Soshangana Township
The meeting addressed the critical issue of water scarcity in Soshangana township, a
persistent challenge since the advent of democracy, exacerbated by the Bakwena
Municipality's poor service delivery (Soshangana Civic Organisation, 2025). The
community's proactive engagements with the Ward Councillor and Municipal Manager
have regrettably yielded no substantive improvements, compelling residents to
purchase water from neighboring villages, leading to financial strain particularly among
the unemployed and recipients of old-age grants (Soshangana Civic Organisation,
2025).
Discussions focused on identifying sustainable solutions to the chronic water shortage.
A central proposal involved the collective procurement of a water tanker to facilitate
water collection from a reliable source. This strategy, while offering immediate relief,
necessitates careful consideration of several logistical and financial implications.
Participants acknowledged that the successful implementation of this approach hinges
on the establishment of a robust financial contribution system to cover the costs
associated with the tanker's acquisition, maintenance, and fuel. The proposal highlights
a community-led initiative to address a significant service delivery gap, demonstrating
local agency in the face of municipal inaction (Gaventa, 2004).
Furthermore, the meeting explored the potential for a direct appeal to the Provincial
Department of Water and Sanitation. This approach is predicated on the understanding
that escalating the issue beyond the municipal level may prompt a more decisive and
effective intervention. The rationale for this escalation is rooted in the perceived failure
of local governance to uphold its constitutional mandate of providing essential services
(South Africa, 1996). Such a move would aim to leverage higher-tier government
Assignment 1
Detailed Answer
Semester 2 Due 2025
, ENG1504
Assignment 1: Detailed Answers
Semester 2 Due 2025
Minutes of the Meeting: Agenda Item 2.2 – Possible Ways to Get Adequate Supply
of Water in Soshangana Township
The meeting addressed the critical issue of water scarcity in Soshangana township, a
persistent challenge since the advent of democracy, exacerbated by the Bakwena
Municipality's poor service delivery (Soshangana Civic Organisation, 2025). The
community's proactive engagements with the Ward Councillor and Municipal Manager
have regrettably yielded no substantive improvements, compelling residents to
purchase water from neighboring villages, leading to financial strain particularly among
the unemployed and recipients of old-age grants (Soshangana Civic Organisation,
2025).
Discussions focused on identifying sustainable solutions to the chronic water shortage.
A central proposal involved the collective procurement of a water tanker to facilitate
water collection from a reliable source. This strategy, while offering immediate relief,
necessitates careful consideration of several logistical and financial implications.
Participants acknowledged that the successful implementation of this approach hinges
on the establishment of a robust financial contribution system to cover the costs
associated with the tanker's acquisition, maintenance, and fuel. The proposal highlights
a community-led initiative to address a significant service delivery gap, demonstrating
local agency in the face of municipal inaction (Gaventa, 2004).
Furthermore, the meeting explored the potential for a direct appeal to the Provincial
Department of Water and Sanitation. This approach is predicated on the understanding
that escalating the issue beyond the municipal level may prompt a more decisive and
effective intervention. The rationale for this escalation is rooted in the perceived failure
of local governance to uphold its constitutional mandate of providing essential services
(South Africa, 1996). Such a move would aim to leverage higher-tier government
