On Saturday 5th May 2007, Fr. Sean O’Leary conducted the fourth in a series of workshops on economic justice. Economic injustice has replaced the political injustice of the apartheid era: political injustices were relatively easy to identify, but in the economic sphere we are uninformed, hence this series of workshops.

In order to learn how to deal with the results of unjust economic oppression we chose to focus on a micro issue – water in Mmakau. The lack of water in this area causes serious concern. We have taken some important steps in researching the issue, but still need to do a great deal of information-gathering before we can move into action. We find this approach very valuable as it helps to move more easily into macro issues.

Millicent Mpothlane, Mercy Associate, addressing the workshop

Background To The Issue

Mmakau Village – 40 kms north west of Pretoria – with an estimated population of 50,000 people never had access to running water. When the Sisters of Mercy arrived there in 1975, the lack of water for the clinics, schools and dwellings was a huge problem. Congregations had already left this village because of the lack of clean water.

During the early 1990’s, a reservoir was built on the hill behind the church. This brought joy to the people because now at last there was a hope of getting water. The reservoir supplied water for about two months and then ran dry, and to date – despite many promises – is still dry. After the 1994 democratic election, hopes were raised again as water pipes were laid in certain sections of the the village, but the majority of the people still remained without water.

The trucks continued to bring in water on certain days and this was sold at R10 a barrel to those who could afford it. Long queues of women and children waited patiently for hours hoping to fill their buckets with water.

During the following years 1995 – 2002, the Sisters and many of the local residents made representation to the tribal authority, the councillors and to the Madibeng municipality, requesting a supply of water to the village. Promises were made but never kept. Then letters were handed to the Minister of Water Affairs. The letters were acknowledged but no action followed. To date, a large section of the population are still buying water from the trucks and carrying it long distances. This is not acceptable in our new democratic country. The issue is being tackled once again, this time under the guidance of Fr. S. O’Leary who helps groups to work for systemic change starting at grassroots level.

We hope that this method will help us to achieve our goal, and hopefully the people of Mmakau will have access to clean running water in their homes.