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26 March 2018 Photo Pixabay
Back to the drawing board to save water
We’ve managed to damage nature’s ‘filter’ with air, ocean, and soil pollution, and by destroying wetlands.

Dr Cindé Greyling, a University of the Free State (UFS) DiMTEC (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa) alumni, studied drought mitigation with a strong focus on communicating important water-saving information. 

Can we run out of water?
Yes, and no, says Dr Greyling. “To our knowledge, water is not ‘leaking’ through our atmosphere. We have what we have, but that doesn’t mean we will have enough clean, fresh water forever. Nature has a magnificent way of purifying water through the water cycle. We, on the other hand, must use a lot of money and energy to purify water. Also, we’ve managed to damage nature’s ‘filter’ with air, ocean, and soil pollution, and by destroying wetlands. The other problem is a simple supply and demand scenario. More people will need more water, but not only that, population growth calls for industry development and increased food supplies – all of which require more water.”    

A war over water
Besides some Hollywood impressions, it is difficult to imagine a war over water, but it is possible. “Some experts are convinced that we are heading there, and others claim that such tensions already exist. Personally, I don’t favour these kinds of shock tactics (or truths) – social research has shown us that it rarely leads to behavioural changes. We can learn a lot from what was has been done in Cape Town. Although we all think people were bombarded with ‘Day-Zero’-scares, they were actually encouraged to adapt their behaviour with a communication campaign that hardly ever used the term ‘Day-Zero’. This approach mobilised citizens to reach record lows of water usage.” 

Adapt a new normal
Dr Greyling encourages the “new normal” set in motion by Capetonians. “Water consciousness is needed, even when the rain comes again. We’ve taken water for granted for too long. As consumers, we have the power to turn this situation around – drop for drop. Be aware about the amount of water you use, how you use it, and for what. Keep in mind that any wastage and pollution (of ‘dry’ things) also wastes and pollutes water. Generally, we need to behave better regarding consumption.”  

News Archive

Annual Stagedoor music competition on 12 March 2016
2016-03-11

Description: 2016 KL Stagedoor Tags: Stagedoor

In action: Soetdoring and Kagiso residences, the winners of Stagedoor 2015.
Photo: Supplied

First-year students from all 26 residences on the Bloemfontein Campus are warming up their vocal chords for the annual Stagedoor competition. Double the fun and double the drama are in store this time around as residences will serenade the audiences in pairs.

An exciting twist has been added to this year’s competition: all performances will feature Justin Bieber’s hit song What do you mean.

Last year Soetdoring and Kagiso residences took the trophy home. Who will it be this year? Find out by getting your ticket before they are all grabbed up.
 
Details
Time: 17:00
Place: Kovsie Church (access via Agriculture gate/Gate 5)
Tickets: R30 for students | R60 for the public

To get your tickets or for more information, please visit Office 8, 9 or 49 at the Student Affairs Building, Thakaneng Bridge, Bloemfontein Campus. Alternatively, email Delia Moumakwe at moumakwemd@ufs.ac.za  or Tonderai Chiyindiko at chiyindikot@ufs.ac.za .

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