ELLIOTDALE – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable rural development, a sense of hope filled Cwebe Village in Elliotdale when a trio of stakeholders teamed up to bring reliable access to water within reach for local families and farmers.

A total of R226,000 was spent on the project, including transport costs of R26,000 from Gauteng.

The Department of Agriculture, working with Mbhashe Local Municipality and non-profit organisation Swim for Rivers, officially handed over 100 Hippo Roller water tanks to the families and farmers.

The initiative, as well as bringing hope to locals, also brings much-needed relief to households and support to small-scale farmers. The local authority said the initiative also formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable rural development by improving access to water, a critical resource for both everyday use and agricultural activities.

Speaking at the handover, Mbhashe Local Municipality executive mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, said he sincerely appreciated Swim for Rivers for their continued commitment to uplifting rural communities. He encouraged local farmers to embrace sustainable agricultural practices that support household food production and self-reliance.

“This support comes at a crucial time for our communities. Access to water is not just about daily living; it is the foundation of food security and economic participation. We urge our small-scale farmers to continue working the land, producing food for their families and contributing to the local economy,” Janda said.

Chairperson of Swim for Rivers, Andrew Chin, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to making a lasting impact in underserved communities. “As Swim for Rivers, we believe in giving back and investing in communities in meaningful ways. Access to water changes lives; it restores dignity, improves health and creates opportunities for families to grow their own food and sustain themselves. We are honoured to partner with Mbhashe Local Municipality in supporting the people of Cwebe,” Chin said.

Swim for Rivers works with communities, identifying critical water supply challenges, raising funds and support, and delivering solutions such as mobile 90-litre water-carrying Hippo Rollers and boreholes.

Community members warmly welcomed the initiative, noting that the Hippo Roller tanks will significantly ease the burden of water collection, particularly for women and children, while enabling more consistent and productive agricultural activities.

Community member, Nokhaya Mxabane, said she was excited about the Hippo Roller water tanks handover by Mbhashe Local Municipality. Mxabane said the tanks would enable her to water her crops more easily. The tanks, she said, were easy to use as they could be wheeled rather than carried.

According to its website, Swim for Rivers is a non-profit organisation composed of volunteers dedicated to:

• Raising awareness about SA’s water crisis;

• Raising funds for solutions such as 90-litre mobile Hippo Rollers, which offer temporary relief and an alternative to carrying heavy buckets;

• Working with communities to identify sustainable, long-term solutions such as boreholes;

• Cleaning up polluted waterways and extracting plastic; and

• Reaching out for public support through donations, skills sharing, or resources to help meet their goals and augment their work.