Food garden or swimming pool? South Africa’s water crisis isn’t just about a shortage. It’s about equality

South Africa is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. South Africans know what water shortages look like: taps dry, water restrictions, failing municipal infrastructure and growing competition for water between cities, farms and industry. When there is not enough water to meet everyone’s needs, deciding who has access to water first is not just a technical question – it’s also one of fairness. Why water rights aren’t enough to fix South Africa’s deeply unequal farming sector …