Operation Hydrate has called on South Africans to continue donating water as the drought continues to affect millions of people and could get worse. A special ceremony to mark World Water Day was held at the Waterfront in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Operation Hydrate’s Yusuf Abramjee said 12.4-million litres of drinking water has been distributed to five provinces since 4 January. He said pledges have been received for 22 boreholes and 9 are ready to pump water.

“This drought is far from over. We continue getting calls for drinking water from many affected areas and we will continue our humanitarian efforts,” Abramjee said.

A water collection drive was launched in Cape Town by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his foundation on 1 March. Over 1,3 million litres of water has been collected over the past 22 days.

“The goodwill from South Africans is amazing. The spirit of Ubuntu continues to live. Let’s continue to make a difference and help those in need. Let’s make every day a Mandela Day,” Abramjee said.

He said Operation Hydrate was planning to break the Guiness World Record on Mandela Day, 18 July, by collecting over 8,5-million litres of water over 24 hours.

Cape Town Mayor, Patricia De Lille, praised Operation Hydrate for the work it was doing. “Thank you for delivering water to those people who need it.”

De Lille said dam levels in the Cape Town areas were around 36 percent and fast dropping. “If we don’t save water, we may be in trouble and will have to ask Operation Hydrate to assist. Do your bit now and save water.” she added.

Operation Hydrate’s Fayyaz Moosa thanked Capetonians for donating generously. “The support we are getting is amazing and we thank all donors and volunteers from across South Africa.”

The Table Bay Hotel today donated R10 000 to Operation Hydrate. SAB Cape Town region donated 60 000 litres of water. School, churches, mosques, sporting bodies and several companies have also donated water. Earlier this month The Foschini Group and Shoprite SA donated large quantities of water.

VOC