Exclusion and invented water scarcity: a historical perspective from colonialism to apartheid in South Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamics of water governance in South Africa during the colonial and apartheid periods, focusing on the socio-economic and political invented water scarcity experienced by black communities. By exploring historical policies and legislation, such as the Irrigation and Conservation of Water Act No. 8 of 1912, the Riparian Rights principle, and the Water Act of 1956, this study sheds light on black people’s systemic exclusion and marginalisation from accessing water resources. The analysis reveals how water governance practices were utilised as instruments of power and control, disproportionately favouring European settlers and reinforcing racial inequalities. Implementing discriminatory policies, forming reserves and forcing removals to Bantustans, establishing segregated water supply systems, and discriminatory practices in farms, mines, and urban townships, resulted in invented water scarcity for black communities. The deliberate exclusion of black communities from equitable water access created systemic disadvantages, impacting health, livelihoods, and socio-economic development. This paper argues that invented water scarcity was integral to colonial and apartheid strategies, further entrenching power imbalances and exacerbating socio-economic disparities.