Majonini Spring, Tzaneen, South Africa

## Overview Majonini Spring is a culturally significant natural spring located in the village of Meidingen, near Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Named after Majonini — one of the largest and most important springs in the area — it has long served as a vital water source for the surrounding community of approximately 783 households. While the municipal borehole system is the primary water supply for Meidingen, frequent service interruptions have meant that local springs like Majonini remain essential lifelines for residents. The spring holds deep socio-cultural significance for the local community. Traditional beliefs hold that a snake inhabits the spring and is responsible for regulating both the quality and flow of the water. It is believed that disturbing the spring's natural environment could provoke the snake, potentially causing the spring to dry up. These beliefs have given rise to local regulations, including a prohibition against cutting *Mogo* (Indian trees) near the spring, as these trees are considered closely linked to the spring's water production. Additionally, traditional customs discourage women from entering the fenced spring area. Water quality testing has shown that the spring's pH level sits at approximately 6.9 and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) at 13.5 mg/L — both within generally acceptable limits. However, elevated levels of nitrates and *E. coli* have been detected, so the water should not be assumed safe for drinking without treatment. The spring has historically been used as a community drinking water source, but visitors should be aware of these water quality findings. ## Directions Majonini Spring is situated in the village of Meidingen, in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. 1. From Tzaneen town centre, head in the direction of Meidingen village (GPS coordinates: -23.635966, 30.243178). 2. Look for the spring within the village — it is enclosed by concrete slabs and surrounded by fencing. 3. A pipe outlet connected to the spring is visible and is used by community members to collect water. 4. Using GPS navigation to the coordinates above is recommended, as the spring is located within a rural community and may not appear on standard road maps. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates and original listing information. Visitors unfamiliar with the area may wish to ask local residents for guidance once in Meidingen.* ## What to Expect Majonini Spring has been improved with basic infrastructure: concrete slabs surround the spring itself, fencing encloses the area, and a pipe outlet allows community members to collect water conveniently. The spring sits among *Mogo* (Indian) trees, which are culturally protected and contribute to the lush, shaded setting. During the dry season, the spring's flow rate has been measured at approximately 0.1 litres per second (about 1 litre every 10 seconds) from the outlet pipe. Community reports indicate that the flow rate increases significantly during the rainy season, making it a more productive water source in the wetter months (typically October through March in Limpopo). Visitors should be respectful of the cultural traditions associated with the spring. The fencing and local customs are in place to protect the spring's environment and honour longstanding community beliefs. It is advisable to approach the spring with sensitivity, avoid disturbing the surrounding vegetation, and seek permission from community members before visiting. Because water quality testing has revealed elevated nitrate and *E. coli* levels, the water from Majonini Spring has not been confirmed as safe for direct consumption without proper treatment. The spring is, however, protected against foreign contamination through its concrete and fencing infrastructure, and the community continues to rely on it as a supplementary water source.