The right to flow from Source to Sea

‘ A River has the right to flow and to flourish and to exist… we should change the way we value water… The river sustains living organisms and has the right to flow free and be free from pollution.'

This was said by one of the Lotus High Learners who participated in the Forum's Source to Sea programme. Over three sessions, the learners traced the course of the Diep river, from near its source on Table Mountain, through Princess Vlei, to the estuary at Muizenberg. This project gave them the opportunity to see a river as a living entity, as it flows through these different states from a stream to wetland to the sea

The learners hiked to Cecilia waterfall last year, to visit the river near its source. On 22 January this year, 22 learners and 5 educators from Lotus High School and visited Princess Vlei to investigate wetland phase of the river. The session was facilitated by Denisha Anand (Project Manager) and Kamva Nose (Intern) from the Princess Vlei Forum.
      The learners discussed the importance of the vlei as a freshwater system and its ecological role in the river’s journey from source to sea. Denisha Anand explained the purpose of the programme and outlined the ground rules to ensure safety and respectful behaviour towards each other, and towards the living species at Princess Vlei.  Kamva Nose explained the mini SASS method and its importance in assessing river and wetland health. The following steps of the mini SASS method were explained:

• Select a suitable sampling area within the waterbody.
  
• Using insect nets to gently skim through the water, vegetation and substrate to collect macroinvertebrates.
• Emptying the collected organisms into transparent buckets half-filled with water.
  
• Use the mini SASS identification sheet to identify the macroinvertebrates caught.
• Assign sensitivity scores to each identified organism.
• Add the scores together to determine the overall mini SASS score and water quality rating.

After this introduction, the learners were divided into two groups and taken to different sections of the vlei. A demonstration of the mini SASS method was conducted, after which learners were given the opportunity to carry out the activity themselves under supervision. Species caught included crabs, a dragonfly larva, beetles, snails and water skimmer insects. Several small fish were also observed.
     After sampling, all organisms were placed into clear buckets for identification. The mini SASS scores were calculated, and the results indicated that the upper part of the outlet was moderately modified (fair condition). This was supported by clearer water and the presence of more sensitive species. The lower part of the outlet was found to be largely modified (poor condition), showing reduced water quality, perhaps due to the sluggish flow of water in the dry season.
   The programme concluded with a reflection session, where learners discussed what they had learnt about freshwater systems, water quality monitoring and the importance of protecting wetlands such as Princess Vlei.

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The river meets the ocean

On the 30th of January, 37 of these and other Lotus High School learners attended the final Source to Sea session, a field trip to Zandvlei estuary  to explore the last stage of the river’s journey to the sea. 
   Learners explored the estuary environment and discussed the differences between rivers, wetlands and estuaries and the roles that they each play in Cape Town’s urban water system. We did a short recap on the journey of water and recalled how water moves through the city before reaching the ocean.

Learners worked in groups to pick up litter in and around the estuary area and completed a litter audit activity in their source to sea workbook, which involved  and recording the types of litter that they collected, where they come from and threats that they pose to biodiversity.
     After the estuary lesson and exploration learners walked to Muizenberg beach where the water from Little Princess Vlei finally reaches the ocean . They learners spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying nature - swimming in the sea and playing soccer on the sand. 

• Thanks to the National Lotteries Commission for making this project possible

Download the  Source to Sea workbook - to be used only for nonprofit educational projects. All rights reserved