You'll be surprised to note that Smith is neither a scientist nor an explorer, nor did she have any knowledge of water issues at the time of applying. While volunteering in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, at the Iliso Care Society, a non-profit organisation partly funded by a group of Norwegians, Smith was introduced to the project.
"I did not think that I would get it as I was inexperienced and knew very little about water issues, but I figured I had nothing to lose. I sent the application and forgot about it until a few weeks later when I received a book in the post from the expedition leaders, Ann and Liv; I went to Norway to meet them, skied for the first time and never looked back. Ask Liv and Ann why they chose me and they'll say that this project is about ordinary women who have the passion and willingness to want to do extraordinary things to challenge the status quo. We want to inspire ordinary people, especially the young and other women, to dream big and to drive change," explained Smith.
Change now is vital in South Africa if the children of tomorrow are to secure a future. Many take access to water for granted, but water, according to Smith, is a complex issue with the challenges being vast and fragmented.
"South Africa is a semi-arid area with little rainfall. With changing climate patterns we are experiencing less rainfall. In addition, our population growth is increasing and our cities are becoming more densely populated. Supplying the demand for clean water is, thus, one of the key issues in South Africa.
"We lack infrastructure, finances and expertise; water issues are largely embedded in politics. Young and old people, particularly, are vulnerable to and suffering from water-borne diseases; water is being polluted and contaminated, particularly because of acid mine drainage and, generally, people as well as agricultural and industrial processes tend to over-consume and waste clean water.
"There are also millions of people who do not have direct access to clean water. Clean water is an expensive and scarce commodity. We need to become more critical about the ownership and management of water and hold the government accountable for ensuring that everyone's basic human right to access clean water is met. More importantly, we must take responsibility and become aware of how valuable water is and change our own perceptions, attitudes and behaviour towards it. A big part of this project is to investigate and highlight the challenges and to inspire the young, for the most part, to become conscious of the problems and to take ownership for possible solutions," said Smith.
To complete the 80-day journey to Antarctica, Smith's going to need both mental and physical strength. While she's cycling, hiking, running, pulling tyres on sand or grass to emulate pulling her 80kg sled on the ice, and exercising in a cold room to acclimatise to cold temperatures, there are a number of ways for South Africans to get involved in water-related awareness.
"My hope for this expedition is that the SA public will realise that SA is a semi-arid country. There is a water problem and the access to clean water is not unlimited. We should become aware of our habits, behaviour and perceptions towards water and change them to preserve water. We are custodians thereof and should value this scarce and expensive commodity. We should also hold the government accountable for ensuring that all South Africans have access to clean water. It is our human right!" exclaimed Smith.
"For the expedition, South Africans can follow us on our website like our Facebook page and become involved in our campaigns. I have approached the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, corporations aligned with our vision and various non-profit and grass-roots organisations to work on an action plan/campaign that will suit our context. The Access Water 2012 expedition is designed to complement the efforts of international conservation organisations, institutions, the government and corporations to tackle this global challenge."
Forward suggestions and/or comments on the Access Water 2012 project to Kim Smith via email moc.evil@1htims-k. For more information, go to www.yourexpedition.com.
