When water comes out of our taps, we often don’t think about it – until it disappears. But water scarcity is a reality around the world and in South Africa, too. That’s why the Armani Acqua for Life campaign takes steps to address the issue.
What is the water scarcity situation in South Africa?
In South Africa, over 3 million people still don’t have access to a basic water supply service. And, only 64 percent of households have access to a reliable water supply. Globally, 1 in 10 people don’t have access to clean water close to home. And without this access, the door is open for contaminated water sources, bringing diseases like cholera and dysentery.
What is the Armani Acqua for Life initiative?
The same year that Armani created Acqua for Life, the United Nations recognised the right to water and sanitation as a human right. Added to that, Armani’s initiative has invested 14 million euros in water projects across 23 countries, which has helped over 590,000 people worldwide. They focus on delivering universal access to drinking water in water-scarce regions. That includes the installation of water points, latrines rainwater collection, water filtering and water purification systems.
The Armani Acqua for Life initiative took steps in South Africa. They also put up a series of portraits of people who have been positively impacted by the programme. These were displayed at Nirox Sculpture Park in Johannesburg. Through this initiative, Armani aims to raise awareness about water scarcity. Estimates show that by 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in water-stressed areas.
Raising awareness about water scarcity
The exhibition unveils authentic and optimistic portraits of people positively impacted by an Acqua for Life project in South Africa. South African artists Justice and Fhatuwani Mukheli – with the help of videographers, Simba, and Wesley Takaedza, shine a light on the concrete impact that Acqua for Life projects have had. The artists went to the Mamburu and Maangane villages, with a series of portraits of those who live there. These portraits illustrate how access to water allows people to flourish, enhancing the intrinsic connection between water and life.
