Easter is a sacred time for most people. One of reflection, community, and spiritual renewal. Across South Africa, many may gather near rivers and dams to take part in cherished religious rituals, including baptisms. These moments are powerful expressions of faith, but this year, they come shadowed by a harsh and dangerous reality. Our natural water sources are not safe.
Intense rainfall has caused rivers and reservoirs across much of the nation to overflow. While everything might seem calm above water, hidden perils such as strong currents, sunken hazards, and treacherous embankments could be lurking beneath. These risks are not just theoretical; they pose genuine, urgent threats that can lead to fatalities when overlooked. Despite this, alerts frequently fall on deaf ears.
That’s why Minister Pemmy Majodina’s firm statements regarding the evacuation of individuals living below the Vaal Dam recently warrant consideration. While her tone might have seemed severe or pompous to certain listeners, this shouldn’t detract from the core message she conveyed. In perspective, her observations underscore the necessity for immediate, candid dialogue required by the circumstances.
I grasp that leaders ought to communicate with compassion, particularly in a nation where poverty and inequity push numerous individuals towards dangerous zones. Being attuned to suffering isn’t an option—it’s crucial. Nonetheless, we should acknowledge that alerts conveyed directly and gravely aren’t inherently insensitive. Often, these serve as reflections of enduring neglect and witnessing identical calamities recur repeatedly over the years.
Minister Majodina’s recent frustration mirrored a broader challenge in our country where the cycle of warnings unheeded, disaster striking, and blame landing squarely on those who tried to raise the alarm. South Africa has seen repeated floods devastate informal and illegal settlements built in floodplains—places known to be dangerous. Lives are lost. Infrastructure collapses. Families are displaced.
Indeed, the government needs to face some accountability, yet we should acknowledge a stark reality as well. Individual and communal duties are essential for averting these risks. Opting to stay in risky areas, constructing buildings on flood plains, or performing ceremonies in perilous water bodies isn't only dangerous for individuals—it puts rescue workers and whole neighborhoods at risk too. The point here isn't to blame those who are already struggling; rather, it's about promoting a mindset where everyone takes part in collective responsibility.
The problem extends past just one storm or season; it involves changing persistent patterns of behavior. Constructing buildings in hazardous areas, performing baptisms in risky water bodies, or disregarding natural forces can no longer be accepted practices in a world where climate change is causing extreme weather events to become both more common and severe. Minister Majodina’s irritation is justified. Instead of seeing her appeal for individual accountability as uncaring, we ought to interpret it as an urgent request aimed at averting potential catastrophes down the line.
Let me make myself clear: I am not suggesting that communities stop their holy practices over the Easter weekend; rather, I propose adapting these traditions. baptisms can occur in more secure and regulated settings without losing their spiritual importance. Actually, prioritizing safety enhances the depth of our beliefs; it underscores the sanctity of life, a principle central to many religions.
We need to change our approach when reacting to leaders as well. We shouldn’t mistake straightforward communication for rudeness. We ought not ignore alerts just because the manner of delivery isn’t pleasing or due to disliking who delivered them. In situations where lives hang in the balance, clear understanding matters far more than feeling at ease.
This Easter, keep our faith unwavering, yet couple it with an unyielding dedication to safety and duty. Let’s cherish life instead of jeopardising it. Should your festivities include water activities, ensure you’re fully prepared. Opt for safety. Embrace life.
* Lebogang Maseko serves as a Communicator for the Department of Water and Sanitation. The views expressed here are solely her own.
Cape Argus