Cape Town: The Water and Sanitation Directorate Mascot – Manzi made a splash this festive season. It dropped in at Drivers Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) and popular beaches across Cape Town to share important water-wise messaging.
Reportedly, Manzi had a busy festive season, engaging with residents and visitors at eight beaches and eight DLTCs across the city over December 2025 and January 2026 to promote water-wise behaviour that are responsible for water use and environmental awareness during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Residents and visitors were encouraged to play their part in protecting water resources and keeping coastal areas clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation – Councillor Zahid Badroodien said that the festive season places increased pressure on the water and sanitation infrastructure, and it was important that residents are reminded to use water responsibly wherever they are.
The Water and Sanitation mascot ‘Manzi’ helped them in delivering these messages in a fun and engaging way, especially to young people and families.
Furthermore, the City of Cape Town reminded the public of some key tips to remain water-wise this summer, that are as follows:
- Take short, stop-start showers or small baths. The maximum flow rate of new and replaced showerheads may not exceed seven litres.
- Wash more with less. Only wash clothes and dishes (pots, cups etc) when really needed. Washing and spot-cleaning can use less water.
- Turn off taps and hoses when not using the water.
- Only water gardens before 09:00 or after 18:00 to avoid evaporation losses.
- Keep summer fun water wise. Use water mindfully for children’s play and cooling. E.g. Use a wet cloth to cool down hot skin and avoid wasteful spraying of water.
- Swim, cover, save, repeat. Built-in and fold-away pools must be covered when not in use, to prevent up to 95% of evaporation losses. Recycle the backwash and top up with rainwater or alternative water where possible.
The Water and Sanitation team further encouraged the residents to use water wisely and help them keep within the daily water usage target of 975MLD to ensure that they will not need to implement water restrictions in future.