President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thobeka Makume
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, 31 March 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the critical importance of water security for South Africa, following the National Water and Sanitation Indaba held last week. The Indaba, a gathering of delegates from national and local government, water boards, scientific experts, and the private sector, aimed to develop a clear plan to tackle the country’s water and sanitation challenges. Ramaphosa expressed optimism about the recommendations, noting their focus on practical, evidence-based solutions with clear timelines. The Government of National Unity has prioritised water security to support communities and drive economic growth, building on reforms from the sixth administration, such as improved water quality monitoring and faster licensing processes.
This article explores the outcomes of the Indaba, the government’s plans to ensure a reliable water supply, and the broader implications for South Africa. From infrastructure projects to anti-corruption measures, the resolutions signal a comprehensive approach to a crisis that affects millions of citizens daily.
South Africa’s Water Crisis: A Growing Challenge
South Africa is a water-scarce nation. With an average annual rainfall of just 450mm—far below the global average of 860mm—the country faces natural limits on its water supply. Climate change, with its unpredictable weather patterns, has worsened droughts in regions like the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. At the same time, rapid urbanisation and population growth have increased demand, putting pressure on aging infrastructure.
Statistics paint a stark picture: around 3 million South Africans lack access to basic water services, while 14 million do not have safe sanitation. Up to 40% of purified water is lost to leaks and poor maintenance in municipal systems. These challenges threaten not just households but also key economic sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which rely on steady water access.
The consequences are visible. Communities frequently protest over water shortages, and businesses hesitate to invest in areas with unreliable services. President Ramaphosa has called water security a “constitutional imperative” and a cornerstone of economic development. The National Water and Sanitation Indaba was a direct response to these issues, aiming to chart a sustainable path forward.
The National Water and Sanitation Indaba: A Collaborative Effort
Held last week, the National Water and Sanitation Indaba brought together a wide range of stakeholders. Delegates included officials from national and local government, water boards, catchment management entities, the South African Local Government Association, scientists, innovators, and private sector leaders. Their goal was clear: develop a practical plan to address water and sanitation challenges.
The Indaba focused on key areas: infrastructure, financing, efficiency, governance, and community involvement. Discussions were grounded in evidence, with a strong emphasis on solutions that could be implemented quickly and effectively. Ramaphosa praised the outcomes, saying in his newsletter, “The recommendations emanating from the Indaba give cause for great optimism.”
The event built on existing efforts by the Government of National Unity, which has made water security a top priority. Delegates were tasked with creating a turnaround plan that leverages reforms started under the sixth administration, ensuring continuity and momentum.
Key Resolutions: A Roadmap for Water Security
The Indaba produced a detailed set of resolutions to transform South Africa’s water sector. These cover infrastructure development, delivery efficiency, financing, anti-corruption efforts, and community engagement. Below, we break down the major outcomes.
Boosting Infrastructure Development
Water infrastructure is at the heart of the plan. The government has secured R23 billion through the Infrastructure Fund for seven major projects. These include:
• Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project: This involves building the Polihali Dam to transfer water from Lesotho to Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub. It will boost supply to millions of residents and businesses.
• Ntabelanga Dam: Located on the uMzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape, this dam will support domestic use, irrigation, and industry in a region plagued by poverty and water scarcity.A new National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency will oversee these projects. This agency will manage national water assets and secure funding, ensuring projects stay on track. The Indaba also called for deeper ties with the private sector through the Water Partnerships Office, targeting more investment over the next three years.
Innovative financing models, such as “Green and Blue Bonds,” are being explored. These bonds attract investors interested in environmental projects, offering a fresh way to fund water infrastructure without straining public budgets.
Improving Water Delivery Efficiency
Efficiency is a major focus. South Africa loses a huge amount of water—up to 40%—due to leaks in municipal systems. To tackle this, the Indaba resolved to:
• Standardise the appointment of capable Water Service Providers.
• Introduce capacity assessments for water boards to ensure they perform effectively.
• Require Water Services Authorities to develop mitigation programmes. These will include budgets for maintenance, efforts to fix leaks, and measures to stop illegal connections.Better metering, billing, and revenue collection will also help municipalities recover costs and fund repairs. Ramaphosa noted, “A large percentage of South Africa’s purified water is being lost to leaks from municipal distribution systems,” highlighting the urgency of these steps.
Managing Water Demand
With supply under pressure, managing demand is critical. The government plans to launch a nationwide campaign to encourage water-saving habits among households and businesses. Simple actions—like fixing dripping taps or using water-efficient appliances—could make a big difference if adopted widely.
Fighting Corruption and Crime
Corruption has long plagued the water sector, from tender fraud to organised crime. The Indaba tackled this head-on, resolving to establish a National Water and Sanitation Anti-Corruption Forum with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Recent SIU probes into water boards have already led to resignations, dismissals, and criminal charges, showing progress in the crackdown.
Ramaphosa stressed that “the crackdown on corruption and organised crime in the sector is being intensified,” a move welcomed by communities tired of mismanagement.
Engaging Communities
Communities will play a bigger role in protecting water resources. Within six months, Water Services Authorities must develop security plans to combat vandalism and theft of infrastructure—a common problem that disrupts supply. The Indaba also proposed “water committees” in local areas to monitor and safeguard facilities, giving residents a direct stake in the process.
Building on Past Reforms
The Indaba’s plan builds on reforms from the sixth administration. These include:
• Drop Water Quality Monitoring System: Reinstated to ensure water meets safety standards.
• Faster Water Use Licenses: Processing times have been slashed, helping businesses and developers get approvals quicker.
• Raw Water Pricing Strategy: A fair and transparent system for pricing raw water, balancing affordability and sustainability.The creation of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency is a game-changer. Ramaphosa called it “one of the most significant reforms in the sector to date,” reflecting its potential to streamline infrastructure efforts and attract investment.
Supporting Municipalities: The Frontline of Delivery
Municipalities are key to delivering water and sanitation services, but many struggle with funding, skills shortages, and poor infrastructure. The Indaba addressed this with practical steps:
• Minimum Competency Regulations: New rules will ensure water service providers have the right skills.
• Filling Technical Posts: Municipalities must urgently hire qualified staff to manage water systems.
• Better Use of Grants: Mechanisms will help municipalities use their Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Urban Settlements Development Grant effectively.These measures aim to strengthen local government, where service delivery failures often spark public anger. Ramaphosa emphasised that “all efforts need to be made to support municipal authorities to fulfil their service delivery mandate.”
The Economic Stakes: Jobs and Growth
Water security is more than a basic need—it’s an economic driver. Agriculture, which employs millions, depends on reliable water for crops and livestock. Manufacturing and mining also need steady supplies to operate. A stable water sector boosts investor confidence, spurring growth and creating jobs.
Take the Lesotho Highlands project: beyond improving supply, it will generate construction jobs and support industries in Gauteng. The Ntabelanga Dam could transform the Eastern Cape, enabling irrigation for small farmers and reducing poverty. Ramaphosa noted, “A well-functioning, efficient water and sanitation sector … instils business and investor confidence that in turn spurs economic growth and job creation.”
Health benefits add to the economic case. Access to clean water cuts waterborne diseases, reducing healthcare costs and keeping workers productive.
Additional Insights: Lessons from the Ground
Beyond the newsletter, the Indaba’s focus aligns with broader trends in South Africa’s water sector. For example, the Olifants Management Model in Limpopo shows how partnerships with mining companies can work. Mines help maintain water systems, ensuring supply for their operations and nearby communities—a model that could spread to other regions.
Recent reports also highlight the scale of vandalism. In some areas, thieves strip pipes and valves for scrap metal, costing millions in repairs. The push for security plans and community committees aims to curb this growing threat.
Climate experts have warned that droughts will intensify, making projects like the Polihali Dam even more vital. Meanwhile, urban areas like Johannesburg face rising demand as populations swell, underscoring the need for demand management campaigns.
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