On August 31, 2024, the community of Makholweni A Village in South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal district celebrated the installation of a solar water pump, generously funded by the Foschini Retail Group. This advanced system now delivers 2.3 liters of clean water per second to 19 taps spread over 4,825 kilometers of piping, providing reliable water access for 3,000 residents. Previously, life in Makholweni A village revolved around the daily search for water, a challenging task fraught with risks. Women and girls walked an average of 3 kilometers each day to an open spring, where they would often wait from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the water to replenish. Concerns about safety were constant, with fears of encountering snakes or even facing threats of violence. Sharing the water source with animals increased the risk of contamination, making illnesses like diarrhea, rashes, and flu common, especially among children. The installation of the solar water pump has transformed daily life in Makholweni A Village. With access to safe, sufficient water close to home, children can now attend school clean and healthy, and women have more time and security. Health issues linked to contaminated water have dramatically decreased, creating a healthier and more hopeful environment for all residents. Makholweni A village is now a thriving community, poised for growth and a brighter future.

On August 25, 2024, Jabulani Section Village celebrated a major transformation with the installation of a solar water pump, made possible by the generous support of the Kirsh Foundation. This sustainable system now delivers 1.6 liters of clean water per second to 9 taps across 2,544 kilometers of piping, serving 4,000 residents. Before this project, water access in Jabulani Section Village came with significant risks. Women often faced threats of assault when collecting water in the evening, and dangerous snakes posed a continual hazard at the open water source. This source also suffered from seasonal limitations, drying out completely by the end of July and only replenishing during the rainy season. The inconsistent access to water impacted every aspect of life, from education and health to economic stability. Thanks to the solar water pump, these challenges have become a thing of the past. Clean, accessible water has enhanced educational opportunities, as children no longer need to skip school to help with water collection. Health conditions have improved as reliable water has reduced the spread of waterborne diseases, and economic growth is on the rise, with time and energy now free for productive activities.

On Jul 21, 2024, thanks to a donation from Daniel , Tanya and the Ginsburg Family, Segweja Village celebrated the installation of a solar water pump. Every day, this system delivers 1.2 liters of water to 10 taps via 2566 kilometers of piping, enriching the lives of 3150 residents. This advancement has not only elevated education and spurred economic progress but has also had a profound positive effect on the health of the villagers. The community is blossoming and on an upward trajectory.

On June 26, 2024, Nomu Wa Huku Village marked a significant milestone with the installation of a solar water pump, a life-changing project supported by Relate Water and the Kirsh Foundation. This innovative system now provides a reliable flow of 1.6 liters per second to 20 taps across 3.9 kilometers of piping, directly benefiting 4,000 residents. Access to clean water has transformed the village. Education has seen a positive shift, as children can attend school consistently without the daily burden of collecting water. Economic activity has also picked up, with residents able to focus more on productive tasks and livelihood opportunities. Health improvements have been profound, with fewer waterborne illnesses, creating a stronger, healthier community. Nomu Wa Huku Village is now blossoming, positioned for sustainable growth and a future filled with possibility. With reliable water access, the village is set on a path to continued development and prosperity.

On March 28, 2024, Izintambane Village in remote Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, celebrated the inauguration of a solar water pump, made possible by a generous donation from the HCI Foundation. This advanced system now provides a steady flow of 5 liters per second through 4,678.4 kilometers of pipes, supplying 18 taps throughout the village and directly benefiting 5,200 residents. Previously, the village faced a critical water crisis. Women and young girls undertook long, exhausting journeys multiple times a day to fetch water from an open-source dam that was not only contaminated but often dried out and attracted animals. The route to the water source was dangerous, with threats from both criminals and venomous snakes. This unreliable water supply was used for all essential needs, including drinking, cooking, and cleaning, leading to frequent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses like diarrhea and skin rashes, affecting people of all ages. The new solar water pump has brought life-changing improvements to Izintambane Village. Clean, accessible water now supports healthier living, reducing the spread of disease and improving daily life. Educational opportunities have flourished, as young girls can focus on school instead of long water treks, and economic activity has gained momentum, as residents can engage in productive pursuits. With safe water close to home, Izintambane Village is revitalized, standing poised for sustained growth, health, and a brighter future.

Dwaleni Village, home to 4,000 people in Mpumalanga, South Africa, grappled with water scarcity, compelling women and girls to walk an hour daily to contaminated wells and a dam. This struggle intensified in the dry season, leading to extended waits and health risks. Waterborne illnesses, including flu, rash, and diarrhea, were prevalent. With generous support from Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, we installed a solar water pumping system, significantly transforming lives in Dwaleni Village. Children returned to school, women cultivated gardens for food security, and families embraced better sanitation practices. Now, the community is developing, growing, and enjoying newfound opportunities. Dwaleni is a part of the Dwaleni Cluster.

Thanks to the generous donation from the Kirsh Foundation, the remote village of Mkhumbhini in Mpumalanga, South Africa, now celebrates a life-changing transformation. On March 19, 2024, the installation of a solar-water pump began delivering 3.1 liters per second of clean water daily to 24 taps across 3500 kilometers of piping, profoundly enriching the lives of 3900 residents. This project has drastically reduced the need for women and children to make perilous journeys for water, curbed waterborne illnesses, and significantly boosted education and economic opportunities. The community is now healthier, safer, and more prosperous, embarking on a brighter, flourishing future.

With heartfelt thanks to the Foschini Retail Group, the remote Hlangwane Village in Mpumalanga, South Africa, home to 3,800 people, has seen a remarkable change. As of March 22, 2024, a new solar water pump now ensures the delivery of 3.5 liters of clean water daily to 22 taps across 4149 kilometers of piping. This incredible improvement has ended the dangerous daily treks for water, significantly reduced waterborne illnesses like diarrhea, and opened new doors for education and economic growth. The health and safety of the villagers have seen a profound positive shift, allowing Hlangwane to thrive and look forward to a prosperous future.

In Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Vilakazi Village, home to 4,500 residents, was confronted with a severe water crisis. This dire situation forced women and girls to embark on long journeys multiple times daily to reach a contaminated water source shared with animals. The situation worsened during the dry season, resulting in extended waiting times and the desperate search for alternative water sources. Unfortunately, this contaminated water led to a rise in waterborne illnesses, manifesting as headaches, stomachaches, and skin rashes. However, hope arrived on March 31, 2023, as the Kirsh Foundation’s generous support enabled us to install a solar water pumping system in Vilakazi Village. This intervention marked a pivotal moment for the community, which is now experiencing growth, development, and expanded opportunities. Vilakazi Village is part of a larger cluster that includes Vilakazi D12 and Zone 14.