March 3, 2004
By Tshepiso Mogotsi
A WALKING, talking, dancing tap is touring schools around Johannesburg, teaching children about one of the most precious resources - water.
The Tappie Road Show, an initiative of Johannesburg Water, features a series of child-friendly characters who sing and dance while teaching primary school children about the need to conserve water and ways in which they can do so. "Use a glass of water, when you brush your teeth" is one of the tips.
Spokesperson Jameel Chand said Johannesburg Water had devised a cartoon-like character called Tappie, whose task is to teach children about the importance of water. "Tappie is our mascot and is very concerned about water and health," said Chand.
The Tappie Road Show crew
Johannesburg Water, the City's water and sanitation services provider, started its road show in February and aims to visit some 50 schools by the end of March. In February the Tappie Road Show visited 50 schools in total, reaching about 7 000 children. Some of the schools visited included Observatory East Primary School, Motsaneng Primary School in Mapetla, Malvern Primary School, the Jiswa Training Centre in Lenasia, Dowling Primary School in Westbury and the Parkade Primary School in Eldorado.
Among the information given to the school children is that of the water cycle - which is part of the school curriculum. "Tappie explains the elements of the water cycle so learners have a clear picture of how water gets into their taps," said Johannesburg Water's public education officer Baldwin Matsimela.
The Tappie Road Show also explains Johannesburg Water's role in providing water to the businesses and residents of Johannesburg. "Johannesburg Water buys water from Rand Water, the national water supplier, and stores it in reservoirs across the city. This water is then piped into the homes."
Water saving advice given during the show includes water management and what to do when the children spot a leaking or broken pipe or uncovered manhole.
The audience is also told to advise their parents and other adults to use a bucket instead of a hosepipe for washing cars. According to Matsimela using a hosepipe to wash a car could see up to 300 litres of water being used, whereas using a bucket limits the water consumption to 10 litres.
Schools to be visited this month include Ordin Park in Ennerdale, Fundani in Emdeni, Thusanang in Molapo, Covenant College in Risipark in southern Johannesburg.
Johannesburg Water is planning to continue the road show for as long a possible. "We are looking at getting sponsors so we can keep it going for as long as we still drink water," Chand said.
Schools that would like Tappie to visit can contact Johannesburg Water's Baldwin Matsimela on 011 688 1545 or 082 859 0459 or email bmatsimela@jwater.co.za.
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