Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has publicly come out in support of Operation Hydrate, describing the community-driven initiative, which has, to date, distributed over 350 000 ℓ of water to drought-stricken areas in the country, as a “true embodiment” of the spirit of Ubuntu.

A group of community volunteers in Gauteng last week launched the initiative following the onset of severe nationwide drought conditions and water shortages.

“The committee urges everyone, from individuals to big business, to contribute to this cause. It is only through a commitment to mutual action that the country will overcome the current challenge of water scarcity,” chairperson Mlungisi Johnson said in a statement.
  
“The committee further urges all South Africans to recommit to a culture of prudent water use. This recommitment, coupled with vigilance in relation to water leakages will ensure the country saves water that is currently being lost,” it stated.
 
It further called on government to strengthen its capacity to maintain water-related infrastructure.