Community steps forward to support newly re-established Sand River Catchment Forum

09 June 2023

The City explored the vision of the Sand River Catchment Forum whilst walking along the Sand River Canal with the newly elected chairperson. Together, they observed the impact of litter and the effectiveness of the trash traps put in place to reduce pollution in the river system. The event facilitated a discussion with community members on how all stakeholders could play a role in the planned Liveable Urban Waterway project. 

The City of Cape Town is taking more proactive steps to protect the Sand River Catchment and improve water quality. Located in the southern region of the city, the Sand River Catchment covers an area of approximately 95 km². The river systems that make up the catchment stretch from the Cape Peninsula Mountains between Constantia and Tokai, then flow through the southern suburbs, ending in the ocean via the Zandvlei Estuary.

'We are committed to seeing through the collaborative initiatives spearheaded by community members, which will transform the Zandvlei Estuary and river systems into an attractive recreational space, and at the same time conserve the environment for future generations.  The City's ongoing river maintenance and upgrade programmes provide the foundation upon which much more can be achieved, with the support and agency of our residents.' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

'It is incredibly exciting to be part of the collective effort of the City and its citizens to restore the health of the Sand River Catchment and its water bodies.  The Sand River Catchment Forum is set up as a 'space' where stakeholders from civil society and the City, can communicate with each other about issues, ideas and challenges they are experiencing about the health of the catchment.  The aim of this sharing is, most importantly, to support each other's efforts, secondly to share expertise and resources to help solve important issues and thirdly to ensure that we are all working and accountable toward the shared goal of restoring the ecological health of the entire Sand River catchment system,' said Jenny Louw, Chairperson of the Sand River Catchment Forum.

'Until we change our habits, and recognise how we may be contributing to the pollution of rivers flowing through our neighbourhoods, the battle against compromised waterways will continue to escalate. We applaud the re-establishment of the Sand River Catchment Forum, and want to see more Capetonians leading similar initiatives,' said Councillor Badroodien.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office