Methodology
The study commenced with a thorough review of policy, legal
and institutional frameworks relating to water quality monitoring
and management in South Africa. The review specifically looked at
whether the frameworks facilitated and supported the involvement
and participation of communities in water quality monitoring
and management. Frameworks relating to local governance
and development were reviewed to identify any potential in them
to support community involvement and participation in water
quality monitoring and management. A quantitative and descriptive
social study involving over 8000 people out of 120,000 people
(15%) was carried out within the catchment to identify structures,
organisations and practices at community level that could promote
the participation of communities in water quality monitoring and
management. The study also evaluated the current levels of
involvement and participation by communities in the catchment
in water quality monitoring and management.
Participatory methods were employed to gather data from the
communities. Participatory methods are designed to collect data