All hands-on deck to solve South Africa’s water crisis
Frontline Africa Advisory
Specialists In Public Affairs; Government Relations; Political Risk Research And Analysis And Community Engagement.
South Africa's water crisis has evolved over decades, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and systemic mismanagement. According to ESI Africa, "South Africa is approaching physical water scarcity in 2025 where they are expected to experience a water deficit of 17 percent by 2030, and climate change will worsen the situation."
With a series of droughts in the Western Cape and Free State from 2014-2016 and the infamous "Day Zero" scare in Cape Town (2017) which underscore the growing water shortages and highlight the severity of the crisis.
As the crisis worsens, particularly in Gauteng—South Africa's commercial hub—major companies are stepping in to assist the government. Business for South Africa (B4SA), a coalition of over 140 CEOs, has stated that it is actively engaging with President Cyril Ramaphosa to explore a partnership focused on addressing the water crisis. This collaboration aims to leverage private sector expertise and capital for infrastructure improvements, particularly in operation and maintenance.
Martin Kingston, B4SA's chairperson, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Gauteng's aging and poorly maintained water infrastructure results in significant water loss—up to 44% in Johannesburg due to leaks and theft. The city also faces a staggering R26.9 billion backlog in maintenance and infrastructure.
Considering these challenges, B4SA's initial efforts will involve pooling information on private sector contributions to the water industry and identifying areas for potential collaboration with the government. The partnership has already influenced legislation that facilitated private investments in energy production, and similar reforms for water management are on the agenda.
As discussions progress, B4SA aims to create a strategic plan to improve water access and sustainability, ultimately alleviating the pressures facing Gauteng and other regions impacted by the ongoing crisis.
However, the delay in Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and other projects in South Africa are a major concern. It has been reported that due to delays, benefits will not materialize until 2028, leaving current supply capabilities unable to expand without disadvantaging existing lawful water users.
B4SA has previously mobilised business resources and capacity to help the government in addressing challenges to economic growth and social development in the country in energy, transport and logistics sectors.
The water crisis is a major issue affecting human security, with millions facing water shortages. Access to clean water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right, and failure to provide it compromises public health, safety, and quality of life. South Africa has faced a water crisis for years and unfortunately government has neglected this important basic human right.
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Again, government has let water mafias and non-payment of services by households take root in many municipalities, creating significant resistance to addressing critical water infrastructure issues in the country.
Recently, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation revealed that municipal debt owed to water boards has ballooned to R22.36 billion, with an alarming average increase of 151% between 2019 and 2024. This escalating debt crisis reflects a systemic failure that must be addressed.
Government seems to be waking up to the reality that failure to address the water crisis in the country, will have dire long-term consequences. Better late than never, it can be argued.
In August, the President signed the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill into law. Once in force, this legislation will establish a new state-owned company (SOC) and the custodian of national water resources infrastructure. The SOC will be responsible for infrastructure management and development – as well as for mobilizing finance for new projects. This is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on effective execution.
The collaboration with B4SA can assist government in effectively operationalizing this new agency effectively.
B4SA's involvement could provide the expertise and resources needed to tackle the crisis. However, it also raises concerns about the role of private entities in traditionally governmental functions. This shift could erode public trust in government institutions and underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to enhance their capability and accountability.
Despite these concerns, any effort to address the water crisis is welcome. It is imperative that all stakeholders come together to tackle this urgent issue. The threat of "Day Zero" looms large, and it is crucial that we work collaboratively to ensure water security for all South Africans. The time for self approval is over; we must adopt an all-hands-on-deck approach to safeguard this vital resource for future generations.