KZNCC declares South Africa’s uMlalazi Municipality a Blue Community following water access improvements.
By Rev. Michael Vorster.
On February 18, the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council (KZNCC), under the Blue Communities Africa Water Project, visited the uMlalazi Municipality in Eshowe to assess progress in water accessibility. The visit aimed to understand how the community transitioned from having no access to water to now having a more stable— hough not yet perfect—water supply system.
Following the municipal visit, the team engaged with the residents of Esibizane, a community within Eshowe, to hear their firsthand experiences. Both the municipality and the community expressed that while water is not available 100% of the time, the situation has significantly improved compared to the past. The Deputy Mayor explained that the municipality operates on a structured water distribution schedule, ensuring that different areas receive water on designated days. Additionally, open communication between the municipality and the community has played a crucial role in managing expectations and addressing challenges.
uMlalazi Municipality Declared a Blue Community:
After evaluating the progress, KZNCC officially declared uMlalazi a “Blue Community” under the Blue Communities Africa Water Project. This designation recognises municipalities that align with five key principles of sustainable and equitable water management:
- Equal Access to Water – Ensuring that all residents, regardless of their social or economic status, have access to clean and safe water.
- Sustainable Water Management – Implementing long-term strategies to maintain and protect water resources.
- Recognition of Water as a Common Good – Viewing water as a shared resource rather than a commodity for profit.
- Transparent Environmental and Administrative Management – Encouraging accountability in both environmental policies and governance related to water services.
- Wastewater Management – Ensuring proper treatment and disposal of wastewater to prevent pollution and protect natural water sources.
A Step in the Right Direction
Although there is still room for improvement, the progress made in Eshowe and surrounding areas is a testament to what can be achieved through structured planning, community engagement, and responsible governance. The KZNCC Blue Communities Africa Water Project will continue to work alongside the municipality and residents to further enhance water accessibility and sustainability in the region.
This milestone serves as an encouraging example for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with commitment and collaboration, significant progress is possible.
In August 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council (KZNCC) awarded the Blue Community certificate to Inkosi Vela Shange, Induna Mandlakhe Mdima, and Councilor Zanele Biyela at a community ward meeting in uMlalazi Municipality.
There are five African countries selected to participate in the Blue Communities global project. Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa. This network is expanding into other African countries. Should your organisation and/or church wish to participate in the Africa Blue Communities project, go the website: Blue Communities Africa
