Southern Africa is a water scarce region. Previously the region followed a water supply management system, which focused only on providing water to fulfill demands. Due to the prevailing apartheid system prior to 1994, these demands were mainly from agriculture (especially commercial), mining, industrial and designated "white" geographical regions. Post 1994, a paradigm shift occurred in water management. Emphasis was placed on sustainable use of the scarce resource, which required a water demand management approach, as well as, political commitment to developmental needs as opposed to water supply management system. While South Africa cannot change the underpinning climate, there is an opportunity to change the manner in which people use water. This, however, requires a behavioural change, specifically South Africans need to stop wasting water. This study examines the implementation of water demand management strategies in Phiri, a sub-section of Soweto, a poorly developed, formerly "black only" urban settlement of South Africa. A particular focus was on the experiences and opinions of the residents of Soweto with respect to water demand management. The study makes it clear that there is a gap between the promulgation of legislation (such as the National Water Act, No 36 of 1998) and implementation. In particular, promulgation is at a national (parliamentary) level, whereas implementation is at a local level and in the hands of municipalities. Importantly, local people need to both understand and accept water demand management, as well as have the skills and knowledge of water consumption reduction.
