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

What in the World

What in the World

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

24 March 2026

10 minutes

Available for over a year

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