This book provides unique insights into the complex issue of water security in South Africa. Based on qualitative research conducted through face-to-face structured interviews and focus group discussions with individuals, traditional leaders, municipal officials, researchers, businesspeople and farmers in the two local governments the Sekhukhune District and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipalities it focuses on the peoples understanding of the concept of water security and whether they believe that the municipalities have achieved water security for all. The research is supported by water security-related statistics, particularly those pertaining to water quality and quantity, and an extensive literature review for the concept of water security. In addition to assessing the state of water security in both municipalities, the book presents a new water security definition and typology, and offers valuable recommendations for future research.
Chapter 1. Water Security and South Africa.- Chapter 2. An Analysis of International and South African Discourses and Perspectives on Water Security.- Chapter 3. The Perceived State of Water Security in the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.- Chapter 4. Beyond Water Quality and Quantity: A Typology towards Understanding Water Security in South Africa.- Chapter 5. Towards an Individual-centred Water Security Theory.
Richard Meissner is a Senior Researcher at the Natural Resources and Environment Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. He holds a D.Phil. in International Politics and specialises in a number of areas ranging from water security at the local government level to the analysis of transboundary river basins.
Karen Nortje is a Senior Researcher at the CSIR. Her key competencies lie in researching and understanding socio-eclă˛