How gangs are taking advantage of South Africa鈥檚 water crisis
The country is experiencing severe water shortages.
South Africa is facing a water crisis. South Africa is one of the driest countries in the world. It relies on its rainwater, levels of which are unpredictable, unevenly distributed, and decreasing as a result of global warming. But the main issue contributing to water shortages is ageing infrastructure; rusting pipes that break and leak. And there are also allegations of theft by 鈥渨ater tanker mafias鈥�.
The 麻豆社鈥檚 Mayeni Jones has been to a part of South Africa that鈥檚 been badly affected by droughts and water shortages to investigate these groups. She explains how they operate and what the government is doing to try to tackle the water mafia. And we hear from young South Africans who are affected by the water shortages.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison, Chelsea Coates and Ash Mohamed
Video producer: Tim Hodges
Editor: Verity Wilde
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Broadcasts
- Tue 24 Mar 2026 18:50GMT麻豆社 World Service News Internet
- Wed 25 Mar 2026 03:50GMT麻豆社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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