City partnership empowers Kraaifontein to rethink water use and sanitation habits
10 May 2026
Residents in Kraaifontein are gaining practical tools to reduce water use and avoid sewer blockages in their community, thanks to a series of workshops led by local non-profit organisation, Manjiya Economic Development.
The organisation is one of 22 community-based groups supported through the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation grant funding programme, aimed at strengthening partnerships that promote responsible water use, protect sewer infrastructure and safeguard waterways.
Manjiya Economic Development has placed a strong focus on education, awareness and job creation through eight workshops in Kraaifontein and Scottsville, centred around addressing the behavioural causes impacting the condition of the Diep River catchment and surrounding communities.
To date, the initiative has reached more than 900 residents, including young adults and school learners. The workshops unpack everyday issues such as what causes sewer blockages and overflows, why proper sanitation practices matter and how residents can log service requests with the City when problems arise.
Each session is designed to be practical and accessible, helping residents better understand how their own waste disposal behaviours affect both critical infrastructure and the environment.
‘The City cannot tackle the scale of water pollution and sewer overflows alone. Partnerships like the one with Manjiya Economic Development allow us to extend our reach and discuss practical solutions, taking into account lived reality at a community level.
‘It also creates an opportunity to support residents who are passionate about dignified sanitation and promoting wise water use,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
‘The City’s grant enabled us to deliver impactful community and school activities, by providing vital resources and support. Through this, we successfully raised awareness on water conservation and improved sanitation practices across our communities,’ said Luntu Manjiya from Manjiya Economic Development.
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Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
