Cape Town’s libraries just got a splash of personality and a serious reminder to save water.

Residents popping into their local library may now find themselves face-to-face with a life-size cut-out of Manzi, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate mascot, gently (but firmly) reminding everyone to save water.

The initiative has officially rolled out across libraries throughout the City, turning quiet reading spaces into unexpected hubs of water awareness.

The City says the launch recently took place at the Central Library in Cape Town, where City officials joined Manzi himself to kick off the campaign.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, did not sugar-coat the situation, stressing the importance of saving water.

“The reality is that every drop we save now helps protect our water supply for the months ahead. With rainfall expected to arrive later and in lower volumes, we cannot afford to be complacent. By bringing Manzi into everyday community spaces like libraries, we are making water awareness unavoidable and empowering the youth to be part of the solution.”

Meanwhile, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Safety, Francine Higham, says the move is about meeting residents where they already are.

“Libraries are more than places to read, they are trusted community spaces where we can inform, educate and inspire action.”

She adds that even small behaviour changes, especially among young people, can ripple into big water savings across the metro.

“Small changes in behaviour, especially among young people, can have a big impact on protecting Cape Town’s water future.”