In a recent paper, Getzin et al. (2022) have systematically tested the plant self-organization hypothesis and the sand termite theory for their ability to explain the cause of Namibia’s fairy circles (FCs). Based on about 500 excavated grasses from four regions across the Namib, the authors concluded that termite herbivory did not cause the death of the new grasses within FCs because the roots were initially undamaged and even longer than those of the vital grasses outside in the vegetation matrix. Benefiƫng from the good rainfall seasons in 2021 and 2022, the authors found several types of field evidence that plant water stress caused the grass death within FCs. Jürgens and Gröngröft (2023) commented on our novel research findings using four statements. Here we respond to these four points: 1) We highlight that the sand termite hypothesis cannot challenge the detailed fieldwork results of Getzin et al. because no opposing systemaƟc field evidence in the form of in-situ measurements, replicates, and statistical testing has been ever provided by Jürgens and Gröngröft to show that the green germinating grasses would be killed by sand termites via herbivory on the live roots. 2) Most parts of the inner fairy circles remain bare right from the beginning of the rains which cannot be explained with biomass consumpion due to termite herbivory. Grass death happens mainly at the inner periphery of the circles. 3) Jürgens and Gröngröft (2023) do not take into account that the upper 10 cm of the soil is primarily relevant for the establishment and rapid death of the young grasses within the FCs. This upper soil layer is dry and not moister than the matrix. 4) Field data show that water does move horizontally over many meters, contrary to the merely theory-based statement of Jürgens and Gröngröft. Additonally, 5) we show that the formation of circular grass rings in response to water stress is a universal phenomenon in the Namib and not limited to fairy circles, which further supports the plant self-organizaton hypothesis. Keywords: desiccation, Namib Desert, soil-water diffusion, plant ring, plant water stress, root-shoot ratio.