Showing the value of data in storytelling: An example of water mismanagement in a local South African community

In journalism, the scope of data use extends far beyond simply creating visual representations or interactive graphics. Being able to scrutinise and interpret data is vital for any journalist as it can help shape a story even if no numbers end up in the final publication.

In a concerted effort to strengthen local media coverage on climate-related matters, Africa Data Hub along with one of our partners, OpenUp, engaged in a collaborative initiative with Zinhle Cebekhulu, the editor of INKundla Yezindaba, an isiZulu newspaper headquartered in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cebekhulu had identified a pressing concern affecting residents residing along the banks of the Inanda Dam in eThekwini. This community grappled with the erratic water levels of the dam, which intermittently inundated homes and thoroughfares, posing life-threatening hazards to children and livestock in the vicinity.

While Cebekhulu immersed herself in the community to collect residents' accounts detailing the impact of this unpredictability, OpenUp's researchers employed a range of tools to validate stories and delve into the issue comprehensively. Three primary sources of data were used:

1. Google Earth's historical satellite imagery revealed significant fluctuations in the dam boundary over time. While this seemed to align with the community's grievances, the imprecise nature of the images and the absence of specific dates for comparing annual snapshots necessitated further investigation.

2. As part of the process, Open Up’s data team developed a valuable tool for visualising historical water levels across all major South African dams and reservoirs. The data sourced from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had long been available online but lacked a user-friendly interface for historical analysis. Initially, the database only provided data for periods of up to five years. However, through exploration of the DWS API, we managed to extract the complete range of available data, using it to construct a simple dashboard using Looker Studio. Looker Studio is a free tool for visualising intricate data from Google. Such tools prove invaluable by significantly expediting the investigative journalism process. The internally developed dashboard was aimed at analysing long-term dam level trends and highlighted consistent management of water levels in Inanda until the drought of 2015. Since then, there were notable fluctuations in the waterline, confirming the community's complaints. Similar patterns not observed in feeder dams upstream. 

‍

3. Finally, we cross-referenced this data with historical rainfall information from the Africa Data Hub Climate Observer. This investigation clearly demonstrated that low water levels didn't consistently coincide with dry periods, suggesting that other issues pertaining to water management might be at play.

Our initial visualisation of rainfall versus dam levels showed no direct correlation, and a considerable time lag

Through this collaboration, Cebekhulu used these insights, coupled with the firsthand information gathered on the ground, to shape the formulation of questions for local authorities responsible for water management. Specifically, she underscored the ineffectiveness of current communication strategies, emphasising their importance as rainfall patterns grow increasingly unpredictable in the future.

According to Cebekhulu, the impact of the story has been significant. "The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive," she remarks. "Our endeavours have catalysed the initiation of potential partnerships, with ongoing discussions. This represents a promising development that can further enhance our community engagement and outreach. For instance, we've established a close collaborative relationship with Umgeni Water and Umsinsi Holdings, aligning our efforts to raise awareness about Inanda Dam and climate change."

‍

The full story is republished below with permission.

This story was produced by the newspaper INKundla Yezindaba, and was published in isiZulu in its December 2023 print edition. This is an edited version of the translated story, a second part is currently being written.

As the largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal, Inanda Dam provides water to a significant portion of the province's population. However, the fluctuating water levels of the dam have been a source of concern for the nearby community and businesses that rely on it.

Mr. Maphumulo, a senior citizen who lives close to the water’s edge, is concerned about the safety of the dam. He says that on average, four to five people lose their lives in the dam each year. Additionally, cattle sometimes drown while crossing the feeder river. What’s more, when it rains heavily the dam overflows, causing water to enter houses on the banks. To protect their children and animals, the community has been advocating for a fence at the shoreline.

The unpredictability of the water levels also impacts local businesses. Sizwe Lande is a tour guide and owner of Inanda T.D.I tours. Lande says that his previous workplace, Inanda Adventures Park, was in close proximity to the dam. However, due to the high-water levels and the park's closure, he has now relocated to Ezweni Lodge. The water levels of the dam have a direct impact on his business, especially during windy or rainy weather. The rising water often blocks access to canoes, resulting in lost business opportunities.

To address community inquiries, Mr. Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, explained that the fluctuating dam level has no impact on the lives of those who live around the dam basin because the dam is designed so that water will remain within the flood line. However, the community still has concerns about the dam's impact on their daily lives. One of the common questions that arise is why the dam's levels move so much from 2014. According to Mavasa, KwaZulu-Natal experienced drought from 2013 to 2020, which explains the low level of Inanda Dam during this period. 

The future water level is dependent on the weather patterns and the demand for water. Weather predictions indicate that the catchment area may receive below-average rainfall, which means that water levels may be lower than normal. Spilling is the norm. Another question that concerns the community is whether climate change consistently causes the fluctuations in the dam's water levels. The answer is yes. The Department publishes all dam levels on its website to keep the community informed of the situation. Concerns about the safety of people living around and crossing the dam have also been raised. Mavasa advises that people living around the dam should only cross via the bridges and should not cross through the dam basin. 

The dam is zoned in accordance with the Resource Management Plan, and only restricted areas are fenced and patrolled by security personnel. The community has also raised concerns about the lack of campaign regarding the dam. The Department is planning to conduct sand mining and encroachment awareness campaigns during the 2024/25 Financial Year.

Collected data that shows the actual water levels over time, the chart showing rainfall in the area, and another map with feeder dams. The data reveals that annual rainfall doesn't correlate with water levels, and Inanda Dam is reliant on the dams further up the river. 

In conclusion, the fluctuating water levels of Inanda Dam are a source of concern for the community and businesses that rely on it. However, the Department assures the community that the dam is designed to remain within the flood line, and safety measures are in place. The community is encouraged to use the Department's website to stay informed about the dam's water levels.