Residents of Kgapane township, located outside Tzaneen in Limpopo, are facing a severe challenge as they struggle to cope with a heatwave while dealing with long-standing water shortages. The South African Weather Service SAWS has issued a warning that the heatwave is expected to affect most parts of Limpopo and other provinces until Saturday, with temperatures reaching uncomfortable levels.
For the past 15 years, Kgapane residents have been battling with inconsistent water supply, despite repeated requests for assistance from the Mopani District Municipality, the local water authority. The ongoing water crisis has left residents to endure the extreme heat without access to water for basic needs like bathing and drinking.
In response to the heatwave, SAWS has urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and wear light, bright-colored clothing to help manage the effects of the heat. However, Kgapane's water scarcity has meant that many residents go weeks without a proper bath, further exacerbating the hardships they face during this intense weather period.
