Meletse, Thabo Frans2026-10-132026https://iiespace.iie.ac.za/handle/123456789/1042Water scarcity is a global challenge that adversely affects agricultural production, livestock farming, industrial development, and household livelihoods. Although existing research has extensively examined the impacts of water scarcity on rural livelihoods, planning, and welfare, relatively little attention has been given to the sustainable use of groundwater to improve domestic potable water supply in rural communities. Accordingly, this study explores the sustainable use of groundwater to alleviate water scarcity and shortages in the GaMalebogo rural villages of the Blouberg Local Municipality, within the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach and an exploratory design were used. Sixteen participants were selected, and a semi-structured guide was employed to collect data. The data analysis was conducted thematically using Atlas.ti's tools and themes to evaluate groundwater's role in addressing water scarcity in the GaMalebogo region. Findings revealed that the villages of GaMalebogo are in an area with a high groundwater table, indicating that groundwater resources are readily available. Despite this favourable hydrogeological condition, water scarcity persists due to leaking pipes and taps, inequitable water distribution, and the mismanagement of municipal resources. As a result, households continue to experience water shortages, which have negatively affected agricultural and livestock production. Consequently, it is crucial to implement strategies to address this problem and prevent the progression towards water insecurity, characterized by inadequate access to clean and safe drinking water. Furthermore, it was found that villagers who installed private borehole systems maintained a sustainable groundwater supply, even selling water to other villagers when the municipal water system failed. The motivation for privately owned boreholes stems from the unreliability of the municipal borehole water system, which is caused by poor craftsmanship. The municipality's borehole system, established to support the local population, has proven ineffective, mainly due to improper installation of the water piping and lack of maintenance of both the machinery and the piping infrastructure. Given these observations, the municipality should prioritize the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing boreholes, pipelines, and water infrastructure, while strengthening oversight and accountability to ensure equitable and reliable water distribution. Additionally, constructing water reservoirs at strategically chosen locations near villages should be pursued following a detailed assessment conducted with resident involvement. Moreover, a comprehensive review and upgrade of the current piping network is necessary to ensure more reliable, efficient, and sustainable water delivery across all villages.enGroundwaterBoreholeWater scarcityVillagesInsecuritySustainabilityThesis