Just consider these two extremes, dirty and clean rivers.
Think of the Madikwe or Marico River and then think of some parts of the Vaal River, Hennops and Jukskei.
I commend tireless efforts of civil society and voluntary efforts that go into cleaning in and around these rivers.
The LitterBoom project, for example, based in KZN, removed 21,648 kgs of waste from beaches and rivers in October alone.
The team sent 15,946 kilograms to landfill and 5,702 kgs to be recycled.
Google any of SA’s worst polluted rivers, and the Vaal River comes up, so does the Hennops River (which starts in Kempton Park on the a east Rand and flows all the way to Hartebeespoort Dam).
Insufficient and poorly-maintained sanitation facilities in Tembisa, Ivory Park, Olifantsfontein and Erasmia are reportedly the main causes of pollution.
The Hennops River Revival does phenomenal work, literally removing litter from areas in and around the river.
Last week alone, they removed some 363 bags of rubbish, Tarryn Johnson, reported.
In total contrast, is the country’s flagship, reportedly the healthiest river system in SA, the Marico or Madikwe (meaning there is blood).
It is part of the Limpopo River system.
Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), are quiet active, said it is one of the free flowing rivers in the country.
They also said it is a flagship river of national importance because of its high biodiversity and cultural value.
It is fed by streams that flow from aquifers, such as the Marico eye. It is home to the Tilapia and Eels.
It also has a living waterfall.
A reported 14 million tons of plastic lands in the oceans, and up to 90% of it comes from rivers. This is a global figure.
It seems, where there are cleaner and healthier systems, all hands are on deck, Government, civil society, researchers, communities, business.
Where there are ailing systems, civil society is pulling hard alone with some business and some communities on board, please share your views with us.