Bokmakierie learners explore the value of water
13 May 2026
A group of curious Grade 7 learners from Bokmakierie Primary School in Hazendal recently stepped beyond the classroom to see where their water goes, and why it matters for their future. Their visit to the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) also offered a first-hand look at how wastewater is treated, while building a deeper understanding of the role they can play in protecting water, our vital resource.
As part of broader water-wise awareness efforts, the City’s Community Engagement team hosted the learners at the Athlone WWTW in March. The day’s activities began with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the plant, located in the area where many of the learners live and attend school.
The plant treats wastewater and produces treated effluent, giving learners insight into a process that often goes unseen but plays a vital role in everyday life.
‘It’s vital that our young people understand the importance of protecting our drinking water supply and how wastewater is treated, because these are part of our daily lives.
‘More importantly, it’s about equipping the next generation with the knowledge and awareness to care for our water resources in the long-term. While current dam levels are 61,2% and water-saving remains important, these lessons go beyond immediate challenges but are about building lifelong habits.
‘We are continually looking for ways to share this message in a way that connects with young people. Age-appropriate programmes not only improve understanding, but also encourage learners to take what they’ve learned back to their homes and communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
During the tour, learners explored key parts of the treatment process, including the inlet works, primary sedimentation tanks and the process control building. From there, they could view the entire plant, including the bioreactors and secondary sedimentation tanks. They also saw the final treated effluent leaving the plant via the Vygekraal River.
Learners were also introduced to some of the plant’s latest upgrades, including new standby generators and aeration blowers. These improvements form part of a broader upgrade that replaced key biological treatment equipment, such as the Fine Bubble Diffused Aeration (FBDA) system, submersible mixers and aeration blowers. The Return Activated Sludge (RAS) East and West pump stations were also upgraded, enhancing treatment efficiency and improving the quality of treated effluent.
Looking ahead, the City is planning a further R4 billion upgrade to expand treatment capacity, scheduled to begin in 2031. This will be implemented in two phases and will include a new high-tech inlet works, additional treatment modules, a dewatering facility and a new disinfection facility. Once completed, the plant’s capacity will increase from 105 ML/D to 155 ML/D.
The day concluded with an interactive and fun educational programme focused on practical ways learners can become more water-wise in their daily lives. A highlight for many was a special appearance by ‘Manzi’, the City’s Water and Sanitation mascot.
Since July 2025, the community engagement team has already reached more than 103 schools and will continue expanding this work.
To book Manzi for a visit to your school email:
communications.waterandsanitation@capetown.gov.za
Caption 1: Learners from Bokmakierie Primary School with Manzi, the City’s Water and Sanitation mascot, during an interactive session on protecting water for the future.
Caption 2: Bokmakierie Primary School learners get a closer look at how wastewater enters the treatment process during their visit to the Inlet Works at Athlone WWTW.
Caption 3: Learners explore the newly upgraded generator room at Athlone WWTW, gaining insight into the infrastructure that supports reliable wastewater treatment.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
