Retail group Woolworths has provided 20 schools across four of South Africa’s largest provinces — Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Western Cape, and North West — with reliable access to water ahead of the dry El Niño summer.
Image supplied.
The South African Weather Service has warned that the 2026/2027 El Niño has already reached levels typical of a very strong event.
It forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across most of the country in late 2026, with similar conditions expected into early 2027.
These conditions are likely to place pressure on water resources.
“Access to clean, reliable water is fundamental to every child’s health, dignity and education,” said Joy Lange, general manager of Woolworths’ Community Inclusive Justice Institute, which manages the Woolies Water Fund.
“With El Niño expected to bring hotter, drier conditions this summer, it is more important than ever that schools can capture and store water when the rain does fall.
“Through the Woolies Water Fund, we are helping schools become more resilient so that learners can keep learning and reach their full potential, even during periods of water scarcity.”
Water vulnerability
This challenge is not unique to South Africa or limited to El Niño weather patterns.
According to Unicef, one in five children worldwide lacks enough water to meet their everyday needs.
More than 1.42 billion people, including 450 million children, live in areas where water is scarce.
For many schools across South Africa, water insecurity is already a daily challenge, and when taps run dry, the impact goes far beyond inconvenience.
Feeding schemes can be disrupted, sanitation becomes difficult to maintain, and schools may have to send learners home when they cannot operate without water.
A dry El Niño summer could make these disruptions more frequent, so a reliable water source is critical to keep schools open.
Building water security
Since 2018, the Woolies Water Fund has invested R12.8m in water systems at schools.
These include rainwater harvesting tanks, gutters, water pipes, filtration systems and handwashing stations.
The fund has also strengthened existing infrastructure and created a sustainable water supply at schools where none previously existed.
Each school receives a tailored water solution designed around its specific water security needs.
Rainwater harvesting tanks let schools capture and store water whenever it rains.
This builds a reserve they can draw on during dry spells and supply interruptions.
Chart by The Outlier. Text by GroundUp Staff. 2 Oct 2026 Practical opportunity
To be selected, schools had to meet three criteria.
They had to show a need for improved water security infrastructure; have “no fee” status and serve vulnerable communities; and commit to maintaining and caring for the infrastructure over the long term.
“We are truly grateful to Woolworths for providing our school with these systems.
“The rainwater harvesting and handwashing systems are helping us to make better use of rainwater and have strengthened our focus on hygiene and caring for our environment, by providing a practical opportunity to learn about water conservation and sustainability.
“It is wonderful to see learners benefiting from a project that is practical, educational and valuable to our whole school community,” said Mrs Hudson, principal of Missionvale Primary School.
Customer support
Woolworths’ beverage department supports the Woolies Water Fund through the Woolworths MyDifference loyalty programme.
It helps transform schools and communities by improving access to safe water and sanitation while promoting responsible water use.
Woolworths customers have made the fund’s continued growth possible.
More than 2,000 customers have selected the Woolies Water Fund as their MyDifference beneficiary.
By scanning their digital MyDifference card every time they shop in-store or online, customers earn shopping benefits, and Woolworths contributes on their behalf towards community impact initiatives close to their heart, including water projects.
“Behind every water system installed is a community of learners, teachers and families whose lives are improved,” said Lange.
“We are deeply grateful to our customers who continue to choose this initiative.”
