Joshua Nel
E1
Curro Academy Wihlgeheuwel
Life
Orientation
Grade 12 E1
Task 2
Coverpage
Joshua Nel
Table of Contents
Activity 1 4
Activity 2 5
Activity 3 7
Activity 4 9
Activity 5 10
Activity 6 12
Certi cate of authenticity 14
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Activity 1
The phrase "poor access to clean water" describes the absence of dependable
and secure sources of water for cooking, drinking, and personal cleanliness. It
indicates that some areas or groups have trouble getting access to clean water for
their everyday requirements. This problem is particularly common in
underdeveloped nations and underprivileged areas.
Urbanisation and Urban Growth:
The current infrastructure is being strained by the increasing demand for water due to urbanisation
and rapid population expansion. The existing water supply systems are overworked as more people
migrate into cities and towns, which causes shortages and worse water quality
Insu cient Infrastructure
A lot of unof cial communities and rural areas lack the infrastructure needed to supply potable
water. This prevents these populations from receiving safe water due to a lack of pipes, water
treatment facilities, and maintenance systems
Problems with Waste Management:
The rubbish collection services in my town are frequently erratic and ineffective. This leads to the
accumulation of trash and unlawful dumping, both of which harm human health and the
environment
In a position Question:
It is my belief that more cooperation between local government and citizens is necessary to improve
trash management. It is crucial to raise funds for trash management services and educate the
community on correct garbage disposal
Issues with the Supply of Electricity:
In my neighbourhood, frequent power outages cause disruptions to everyday living and company
operations. For homes who use electricity for cooking, heating, and studying, this is especially
dif cult
In a position question:
It's essential to provide a steady supply of electricity. In addition to strengthening the upkeep of
the current electrical systems to minimise outages, I am in favour of the development of
alternative energy sources like solar and wind power.
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Activity 2
A fundamental human right, access to clean water is a critical factor in
determining health, socioeconomic advancement, and general well-being. Still,
a sizable fraction of the world's population does not have access to clean water,
a situation that is sometimes made worse in developing countries such as South
Africa. This paper addresses additional issues arising from unequal access to
clean water and critically evaluates the roles of governmental policies and
structures in mitigating these challenges. It also explores the complex reasons
why inadequate access to clean water is considered a violation of human rights,
examining relevant legislation in South Africa
Lack of access to clean water is categorically seen as a violation of human
rights as it robs people of their innate right to drinkable, clean water, which is
necessary for life, health, and dignity. Lack of clean water has direct negative
effects on people's quality of life and violates their fundamental human rights,
making it dif cult to maintain cleanliness, stop waterborne illnesses, and
maintain general health
In addressing the issue of poor access to clean water, one signi cant legislative
instrument in South Africa is the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998). This
legislation endeavors to ensure the sustainable and equitable management of the
country's water resources, emphasizing the protection, utilization, conservation,
and control of water resources for the collective bene t of all citizens. By
prioritizing the provision of adequate water for basic human needs and
safeguarding the ecological environment, this Act seeks to foster ef cient,
sustainable, and fair water utilization
Apart from health-related problems, unequal access to clean water leads to a
number of other socioeconomic problems. Education disruptions are
particularly concerning since kids living in places without access to clean water
frequently skip school because of illness or the dif cult chore of carrying water
from far-off places. Sustaining the right to education requires schools to have
suf cient water supplies and infrastructure, which reduces absenteeism and
promotes regular attendance. Furthermore, poor populations are
disproportionately affected by restricted access to water, which exacerbates
economic inequality and feeds poverty cycles. To correct this imbalance,
regulations that protect vulnerable groups must be enacted, community-based
efforts must be supported, and water resources must be distributed fairly
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Policies from the government are essential to improving the accessibility and
quality of water. Prioritising fair access to clean water, sustainable management
techniques, and conservation should be the top priorities for effective policies.
These should be periodically revised to account for new issues like population
increase and climate change. Furthermore, improving public-private
partnerships and community involvement can improve the accessibility and
quality of water
The effectiveness of governmental institutions is just as important as
governmental programmes. Infrastructure maintenance, policy implementation,
and compliance with water quality requirements are the duties of local
governments and water management bodies. Effective water management
requires strong, transparent, and accountable institutions; decentralisation and
supervision procedures improve responsiveness and reduce corruption.
Participation from the community and cooperation between the federal and
local governments can increase these organisations' ability to consistently
supply clean water
In conclusion, there are serious human rights violations associated with South
Africa's poor access to clean water, which have a signi cant impact on the
country's health, educational system, and economic growth. A comprehensive
strategy that includes strong laws, ef cient policies, responsible governmental
institutions, and engaged community involvement is required to address this
complex issue. Through acknowledging the availability of clean and safe water
as an essential human right and launching coordinated initiatives, South Africa
may work towards achieving universal access to this resource, supporting
fairness, sustainability, and well-being
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Activity 3
Part A
1. The paper identi es a number of problems that help close the disparities in access to hygienic
conditions, clean water, and sanitation. First of all, it emphasises how crucial it is for the
government to give nancing and planning measures aimed at resolving these disparities top
priority. Governments have the capacity to address gaps in the accessibility, quality, and availability
of water-related services by adopting targeted programmes and allocating resources appropriately.
The research also highlights the need for speci c initiatives in less developed nations and rural
regions, where a sizable section of the populace lacks access to even the most basic amenities for
hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, it emphasises how crucial it is to fund waste management
programmes and infrastructure development in order to guarantee trash disposal safety and advance
environmentally friendly sanitation practices. In general, the study promotes all-encompassing
strategies that tackle the underlying causes of inequality and encourage everyone to have access to
clean water and sanitary facilities
Infrastructure and Distribution of Resources:
Compared to rural and agricultural regions, urban areas and suburbs frequently have more
developed infrastructure and easier access to resources. Because of this, local governments might be
able to address water-related problems in cities more quickly, such xing water supply networks or
setting up sanitary facilities. On the other hand, inadequate infrastructure and resources in rural
regions may cause problems and slow down the reaction time to issues pertaining to water
Political In uence and Population Density:
Compared to rural regions, urban and suburban areas usually have larger political in uence and
densities of people. Due to this demographic and political advantage, local governments and
authorities may decide to give urban concerns more priority and funding. As a result, compared to
rural regions, where people may be more scattered and have less political clout, metropolitan
communities may prioritise and handle water-related issues more swiftly
Part B
Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Access to
Clean Water:
A person's capacity to receive safe and drinkable water can be facilitated or hindered by a variety of
socioeconomic factors that impact access to clean water. Inequalities in the distribution of wealth
and income are clear indicators of the socioeconomic variables' substantial in uence. Because they
can afford private water sources or water treatment facilities, those with greater socioeconomic
level typically have better access to clean water. On the other hand, impoverished marginalised
populations could not have access to infrastructure for clean water, which would force them to rely
on contaminated water sources like ponds or rivers
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Furthermore, a major factor in uencing access to clean water is education level. Higher educated
communities are often more aware of the importance of good water cleanliness and may push local
government to provide better water infrastructure. Access to clean water can also be in uenced by
gender norms and cultural beliefs. In communities where fetching water is seen as a feminine task,
women and girls are frequently responsible for collecting it
To sum up, socioeconomic considerations have a big in uence on getting clean water, which means
that speci c interventions are needed to eliminate inequality and guarantee that everyone has access
to clean water
The Role of Infrastructure in Providing Access to
Clean Water:
In both urban and rural regions, infrastructure is essential to the provision of clean water. Urban
areas require well-designed water supply networks, which include treatment facilities and pipes, to
guarantee that homes and businesses receive clean water on a consistent basis. Furthermore,
centralised wastewater treatment systems frequently improve public health in metropolitan areas by
preventing water source pollution
On the other hand, poor infrastructure in rural regions may make it dif cult for residents to get
access to clean water. Numerous rural populations depend on dispersed water sources like boreholes
and wells, which can get contaminated by sewage or agricultural runoff. Furthermore, inadequate
nance and road networks might make it more dif cult to maintain and grow rural water
infrastructure, worsening gaps in access to clean water.In general, funding infrastructure
development is crucial for expanding rural and urban populations' access to clean water, which in
turn supports socioeconomic growth and public health
Assessing Long-term Consequences of Consuming
Contaminated Water on Food Security:
Drinking tainted water can have detrimental long-term effects on food security and pose threats to
agricultural output and public health. First of all, drinking tainted water can expose you to
waterborne illnesses including cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, which can be fatal or cause long-
term sickness. Waterborne illness incidence can compromise food security by decreasing worker
productivity and raising healthcare expenses, especially in underprivileged areas with restricted
access to healthcare
Moreover, tainted irrigation water can infect crops with hazardous chemicals or diseases,
jeopardising the safety and quality of food. The livelihoods of farmers and the food supply chains
may be impacted by agricultural goods cultivated with contaminated water, which may also result in
restrictions on local and international markets and health hazards for consumers
In summary, managing water quality, public health initiatives, and sustainable farming methods are
the three main components of integrated approaches that are needed to address the long-term effects
of drinking polluted water on food security
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Evaluation of the Role of Local Government in
Ensuring Access to Safe and Clean Water:
Ensuring that communities have access to clean and safe water is a critical responsibility of local
government in order to advance social fairness, sustainable development, and public health. Water
supply networks, treatment facilities, and wastewater management systems are among the water
infrastructure projects that local governments are in charge of organising, funding, and carrying out.
To avoid waterborne illnesses, local governments are also essential in maintaining rules, monitoring
the quality of the water, and encouraging hygiene awareness
In addition, it is the responsibility of local governments to give marginalised groups and vulnerable
people top priority when managing water resources so that no one is left without access to clean
water. In order to handle the particular dif culties that each community faces, this calls for the fair
allocation of resources, community involvement, and cooperation with stakeholders
To sum up, the active participation of local government is necessary to guarantee that everyone has
access to clean and safe water, which will enhance public health outcomes, encourage sustainable
development, and advance social justice
Activity 4
Social media platforms are becoming effective instruments for activism, citizen engagement, and
advocacy because they provide people a forum to express their concerns and hold government
of cials responsible. Social media may play a key role in highlighting inadequate service delivery
in local communities in a number of ways
1. People have a platform to instantly share their experiences through social media. People may
easily share stories regarding instances of subpar infrastructure, healthcare, power, or water
supply. This immediateness guarantees that problems are revealed quickly, enabling speedy
resolution
2. Social media has a large audience base, making it possible for complaints about subpar service
to quickly spread. Posts may be published, shared, or retweeted to spread the word and get more
attention. This extensive distribution guarantees that problems receive notice not only locally
but also nationally or perhaps worldwide, placing pressure on the appropriate authorities to take
appropriate action
3. Social Media makes it easier to mobilise and engage communities. Digital campaigns, online
petitions, and hashtags may encourage a feeling of communal action by mobilising support and
solidarity among those who are impacted. Communities can band together to press for structural
concerns that contribute to subpar service delivery, demand responsibility from care providers,
and lobby for change
4. Social Media is a tool for accountability and openness. When people openly record cases of
subpar service delivery, they build a digital trail that makes authority answerable for their deeds
or inaction. Social media's exposure and scrutiny can encourage governments and service
providers to address community complaints in a timely and transparent manner
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Evaluation of Social Media Abuse in Reporting Poor
Service Delivery:
Hand outs of False Information:
Disseminating false information, or fake news, is one of the most common types of misuse on
social media platforms. People or organisations with vested interests may invent or exaggerate
occurrences when complaining about subpar service delivery in order to provide a misleading
picture. Via social media, false information may spread quickly, causing fear, uncertainty, and
unjusti ed reaction against authorities or service providers. Furthermore, incorrect information
might make it dif cult to discern between veri able complaints and lies, undermining the credibility
of sincere allegations of subpar service performance
The use of and Coordination of Campaigns:
These strategies are additional means of manipulating social media in order to sway public opinion
or impact decision-making. Astrotur ng is the practice of fabricating internet personas or grassroots
initiatives to seem like real community involvement. Astrotur ng, when it comes to reporting
subpar service, is the practice of amplifying particular narratives or discrediting competing opinions
through the use of ctitious accounts or bots. Vested interests, such as political parties or corporate
corporations, can coordinate coordinated campaigns that distort public opinion, silence legitimate
voices, and thwart attempts to solve structural problems that lead to subpar service delivery
Activity 5
Ways in which campaigns, projects and events can
be used to raise awareness on\the dangers of
consuming contaminated water:
Conduct educational seminars and workshops to inform people about the dangers associated with
contaminated water in your community. To actively engage attendees and enhance their
understanding of the subject, these events may include expert speeches, interactive presentations,
and Q&A sessions
Community Outreach Programmes: Conduct community outreach programmes to increase the
amount of information that is shared about the dangers of contaminated water. These initiatives
could include going door-to-door, handing out brochures or other instructional materials, and
interacting with in uential people in the community to spread the word
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Health Campaigns and Screenings: Coordinate health campaigns and screenings in communities
affected by water contamination by working with organisations and medical experts. These
programmes may provide free health examinations for waterborne diseases, including tests for
bacterial or chemical pollution, as well as advice on treatment alternatives and prevention measures
Media Campaigns: To increase public knowledge of the risks associated with eating contaminated
water, launch media campaigns across a variety of platforms, including print, radio, television, and
social media. Create enticing graphics and messaging that highlight the value of clean water and
inspire people to change their behaviour
School Programmes and Curriculum Integration: To teach kids about the dangers of contaminated
water, incorporate awareness-raising exercises into curriculum and school programmes. Provide
kids with hands-on demonstrations, age-appropriate teaching resources, and captivating lessons to
enable them to become advocates for clean water in their communities
Collaborations and Partnerships: To increase outreach and funding for awareness campaigns, form
alliances with corporations, community organisations, non-pro ts, and local governments.
Collaborations can improve the ef cacy and durability of campaigns, programmes, and events that
attempt to increase public awareness of the risks associated with drinking polluted water by
combining knowledge, resources, and networks
Two systems or mechanisms that governments can
implement to ensure accountability of government
o cials in providing adequate and quality service
delivery are:
Mechanisms for Accountability and Transparency: Establishing public reporting platforms and
avenues for citizen input, for instance, can promote accountability and transparency in the way the
government provides public services. This can include creating online portals via which the general
public can register grievances, provide feedback on the quality of services they got, and follow
government initiatives. Encouraging transparency and enabling citizens to hold elected of cials
accountable for their actions may both be achieved by ensuring that information on government
expenditures, budgets, and programmes is easily accessible to the public
Establishing a robust system for performance evaluation and monitoring would help guarantee that
public employees are held accountable for their actions and outcomes. Among the components of
this system are goal-setting exercises, regular performance reviews, and the monitoring of key
performance indicators (KPIs) connected to service delivery. By comparing progress against
prede ned benchmarks and expectations, government of cials may be held accountable for their
performance and held accountable for any shortcomings in service delivery
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Activity 6
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https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
2. Government of South Africa. (1998). National Water Act, Act No. 36 of 1998. [Online]
Available at: https://www.gov.za/documents/national-water-act-36-1998-act-text-amended-0
3. Chadwick, A. (2013). The hybrid media system: Politics and power. Oxford University Press.
4. Pew Research Center. (2021). Social Media Fact Sheet. [Online] Available at: https://
www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/
5. UNDP. (2017). Using Social Media to Promote Good Governance. [Online] Available at:
https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/democratic-governance/using-
social-media-to-promote-good-governance.html
6. World Health Organization & UNICEF. (2019). Progress on household drinking water,
sanitation and hygiene 2000-2017. Special focus on inequalities. WHO/UNICEF Joint
Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene.
7. Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2019). Fighting misinformation on social media using
crowdsourced judgments of news source quality. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, 116(7), 2521-2526.
8. Tandoc Jr, E. C., Lim, Z. W., & Ling, R. (2020). Diffusion of disinformation: How social
media users respond to fake news and why. Journalism, 21(3), 381-398.
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Journal of Environmental Education, Volume(X), pages.
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12. Garcia, S. (Year). "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Door-to-Door Outreach in Water
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13. Patel, R. (Year). "Health Campaigns in Water-Polluted Areas: Lessons Learned and Best
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14. Nguyen, T. (Year). "Screening Programs for Waterborne Illnesses in Affected Communities: A
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15. Wilson, K. (Year). "Effectiveness of Media Campaigns in Raising Awareness of Water
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Outcomes." Journal of Health Communication, Volume(X), pages
17. Republic of South Africa. (1996). Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Retrieved
from(https://www.gov.za/sites/default/ les/images/a)
18. United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable(https://
sdgs.un.org/2030agenda)
19. Ways to Raise Awareness on the Dangers of Consuming Contaminated Water(https://
en.hesperian.org/hhg/A_Community_Guide_to_Environmental_Health:
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Certi cate of authenticity
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