The city of Cape Town is known for its breathtaking landscapes, yet behind the postcards lies a water pollution crisis that is severely impacting both communities and the environment. “Beyond the Surface: Cape Town’s Water Stories” was originally developed as an investigation into the energy crisis and its impact on everyday life, and later evolved to reveal the intrinsic links between energy insecurity and water contamination.
A sweeping wide-angle view of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain contrasts sharply with the polluted waters of the Diep River, photographed between Milnerton and Dunoon. The image captures the uneasy coexistence of natural beauty and environmental neglect—an issue deeply tied to systemic inequality and urban development in the city’s outskirts.
An aerial perspective of the Diep River near the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Plant reveals the fragile balance between infrastructure and ecosystem. The drone’s eye uncovers patterns of human intervention in the river’s flow—hinting at the tensions between urban utility and environmental health in Cape Town’s northern corridor.
A close-up view of the Diep River near Dunoon township reveals layers of debris and murky water—evidence of the visible pollution plaguing the area. The image speaks to the everyday reality faced by communities living alongside toxic waterways, where environmental degradation is both a health risk and a social injustice.
A pollution warning sign stands at the edge of Milnerton Lagoon, marking the river mouth where contaminated waters meet the sea. In the background, people are enjoying the beach, either unaware or undeterred. The image captures the uneasy overlap between environmental risk and everyday life, highlighting the disconnect between warning and action in shared public spaces.
The project shows how systemic mismanagement across these essential sectors jeopardizes South Africa’s vast potential for sustainable growth. In doing so, it aims to raise awareness of Cape Town’s critical situation and to support grassroots movements for clean water, by addressing both the local policymakers and international environmental advocates. Since launching this investigation in early 2023, I have collaborated with several Cape Town based NGOs, allowing me to gather diverse perspectives on the systemic failures affecting both infrastructure and everyday life. By interviewing people from various backgrounds, from informal settlements to affluent neighborhoods, I could get a more complete picture of the crisis. In 2024, my focus shifted to the interconnectedness of energy and water systems. I partnered with grassroots groups like Bays of Sewage and ReThink the Stink, who provided access to polluted sites and critical insights into local activism.
ReThink the Stink founder Caroline Marx stands by Milnerton Lagoon—her home and frontline—holding the logo of her initiative. Through citizen advocacy and grassroots pressure, Marx challenges authorities to take accountability for the chronic pollution of Cape Town’s waterways. Her portrait connects personal commitment to place, and protest to purpose.
Marine conservation photographer Jean Tresfon speaks at the “Bays of Sewage” public meeting in Hout Bay, with one of his aerial images of pollution off Green Point projected behind him. His work merges science, storytelling, and advocacy—offering visual proof of marine contamination and pushing for accountability in the face of ecological neglect.
Dave, known locally as the “dolphin whisperer,” floats in Cape Town’s coastal waters with Table Mountain rising behind him. His quiet connection to marine life offers a counterpoint to the surrounding environmental crisis—a reminder of the fragile, often mystical bond between humans and the natural world we risk losing.
Dave “the Dolphin Whisperer” holding the “ReThink the Stink” logo. Behind him, the marine outfall at Green Point serves as a poignant backdrop, emphasizing the environmental impact of water pollution on marine life. The image underscores the importance of sustainable practices and the need for rethinking how waste and pollutants are managed in our oceans.
I also had the opportunity to work with researchers at the University of Cape Town and professors at the University of the Western Cape, grounding the project in scientific and academic context.
This dramatic drone shot of the Camps Bay marine outfall reveals the stark reality of pollution in the ocean. The image captures visible pollutants in the water surrounding the outfall, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect marine ecosystems from harmful waste. It serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental challenges our oceans face and the importance of addressing water contamination at its source.
A wide-angle shot capturing Dr. Cleeve Robertson, director of Underwater Africa, alongside Caroline Marx and Mark Gevers conducting water quality tests at Camps Bay Beach. Set against the striking coastal landscape, this image documents community-driven efforts to monitor and address marine pollution. It emphasizes the role of science and activism in protecting South Africa's coastal waters.
A photo of the Water Hub building in Franschhoek, a key site for innovation in water treatment and environmental research. This facility serves as a model for sustainable water management, community education, and ecological restoration. The image captures the architectural presence of a place where science, sustainability, and local engagement converge.
This image documents the severely polluted Stiebeuel River flowing through an informal settlement adjacent to Franschhoek and the Water Hub. It highlights the stark environmental and social injustices faced by underserved communities, where lack of infrastructure contributes to ecological degradation. The photograph underscores the urgent need for equitable access to clean water and sustainable urban planning.
Two researchers from the University of Cape Town are captured testing water quality in the polluted Stiebeuel River, which runs through an informal settlement near Franschhoek. Their presence reflects the role of academic institutions in addressing real-world environmental issues and highlights the intersection of science, public health, and social equity.
A portrait of Victor Parry, a researcher from the University of Cape Town, wearing the official Future Water uniform. This image highlights the human face of academic research and the dedication of scientists working on sustainable water solutions. Victor’s presence symbolizes a new generation committed to tackling water challenges through innovation, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
UCT researcher Emily Nicklin is captured mid-action during her irrigation experiment at the Water Hub in Franschhoek. Her work explores innovative approaches to sustainable water use and urban agriculture. This image celebrates hands-on research and the role of young scientists in shaping climate-resilient futures.
A portrait of UCT researcher Emily Nicklin taken outside the laboratory inside the University of Cape Town. This image reflects her dedication to advancing sustainable water practices through research and experimentation. Set against the backdrop of a leading innovation institute, the portrait honors the role of young scientists driving environmental change in South Africa.
A drone shot capturing the full scope of the Water Hub facility in Franschhoek. This aerial perspective reveals the layout of the site, showcasing its integration with the surrounding landscape and its role as a hub for water innovation, research, and sustainable infrastructure. The image highlights the scale and impact of the initiative in addressing local and global water challenges.
A portrait of Professor Kevin Winter from UCT's Future Water Institute, taken at the Water Hub site in Franschhoek. As a leading voice in urban water sustainability, Professor Winter’s work bridges academic research, policy, and real-world implementation. This image honors his leadership in developing innovative solutions to South Africa’s water challenges.
“Beyond the Surface” brings together the urgency of environmental collapse and the dignity of those fighting back.
This image captures a moment from the “Bays of Sewage” community meeting in Hout Bay, where residents, activists, and scientists gathered to address the ongoing issue of marine pollution from sewage outfalls. The meeting reflects growing civic engagement and collective action to protect local waters and demand accountability for environmental health.
A breathtaking landscape shot of Table Mountain as seen from Milnerton Beach, capturing the iconic landmark in its full glory. The image showcases the natural beauty of Cape Town’s coastline, offering a tranquil yet powerful reminder of the region’s unique geography and the importance of preserving these landscapes for future generations.
