National biodiversity assessment - testing the integrity of our freshwater ecosystems : biodiversity protection - feature

Intact freshwater and estuarine ecosystems sustain food and water security to many people and organisms in South Africa. Degraded ecosystems, on the other hand, result in an increase cost for water filtration and purification as a result of eutrophication and chemical pollution or because of an increase in suspended solids, and in general can result in a loss of income and sense of aesthetics and value. In fact, in light of the recent drought, the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma, issued a Cabinet Statement on 9 June 2016 that "Team South Africa is encouraged to participate in the cleaning up of rivers, streams and wetlands on 18 July, as part of South Africa's annual Mandela Day activities."