What in the World - How gangs are taking advantage of South Africa’s water crisis

Download How gangs are taking advantage of South Africa’s water crisis

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 “water tanker mafias”.

The BBC’s Mayeni Jones has been to a part of South Africa that’s 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.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison, Chelsea Coates and Ash Mohamed
Video producer: Tim Hodges
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Tuesday, 24th March 2026.

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