Ramaphosa Praises Progress in Water Access, Urges Urgent Action to Tackle Challenges

The two-day conference, running under the theme "Water Security and Provision", brings together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate on ensuring a sustainable and reliable water future.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the Department of Water and Sanitation for the strides made in improving access to water and sanitation services across South Africa, while also calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the persistent challenges hampering progress in this critical sector.

Delivering the keynote address at the Water and Sanitation Indaba, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, the President underscored government’s continued commitment to securing the human right to clean water and proper sanitation for every South African. The two-day conference, running under the theme "Water Security and Provision", brings together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate on ensuring a sustainable and reliable water future.

Progress Since Democracy and Legislative Gains

President Ramaphosa reflected on the milestones achieved since the dawn of democracy, emphasizing the crucial role of the National Water Act of 1998 in laying the foundation for equitable water resource management. He noted that the Act was instrumental in shifting the country from a historically unequal system of water provision to one aimed at universal access.

According to the President, the 2022 Census data offers encouraging insights into the nation's progress:

• 88.5% of South Africans now have access to clean drinking water, and

• 80.7% have access to improved sanitation facilities.

“These figures affirm our steady march toward realizing water and sanitation as basic human rights,” he said. “As a country we can be proud of the progress we have made in fulfilling this basic right of our people since the advent of democracy.”

Key Infrastructure Projects and Investments

President Ramaphosa outlined several major infrastructure initiatives currently in motion to enhance water security and expand access:

• The National Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion for seven large-scale water projects.

• Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is underway, which will significantly boost water supply to South Africa.

• The uMkhomazi Water Project and Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River are progressing in terms of planning and construction.

• The Polihali Dam, another LHWP-linked initiative, is projected to channel 490 million cubic meters of water annually into the Vaal River System.

“These are not just engineering projects,” Ramaphosa said, “they are instruments of dignity, of health, of economic opportunity, especially in rural and underserved areas.”

He noted that the government is actively pursuing blended financing models—a mix of public and private funding—to bring many of these critical projects to life.

Challenges Undermining Service Delivery

Despite these developments, the President acknowledged that the water sector remains plagued by significant issues. He cited several persistent problems:

• Ageing infrastructure and lack of maintenance

• Vandalism and theft of water infrastructure

• Illegal water connections and organized crime in the sector

• Poor financial governance at municipal levels

• Insufficient reinvestment into water systems by municipalities

• Decline in private sector confidence and investment

“Last year’s Water Summit made it clear that these issues are deeply entrenched,” the President said. “The reality is that too many municipalities are not maintaining infrastructure, are mismanaging finances, and are failing to collect revenue effectively. This has severely hindered service delivery.”

He also confirmed that several water boards are currently under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for allegations of fraud and corruption. These probes aim to restore accountability and integrity within the sector.

Population Growth and Climate Pressures

South Africa, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, is under increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and the impacts of climate change. Ramaphosa stressed that these dynamics make water governance and security not just a matter of service delivery, but of national security and economic survival.

“As we confront the reality of increasing water demand amid diminishing resources, we must double down on innovation, investment, and inclusive governance,” he said.

A Call for Partnership and Innovation

Ramaphosa urged for a reinvigorated partnership between the public and private sectors, with stronger engagement from communities and civil society. He emphasized the need for modern technologies and smart water systems to monitor losses, detect leaks, and optimize water usage.

He also called for the adoption of alternative water sources, including rainwater harvesting, recycling and re-use technologies, and desalination in coastal regions, to augment conventional water supply.

“The time for working in silos is over,” he said. “We need integrated water resource management, and we must make water everyone’s business.”

Aligning with Global Goals

The President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)—to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

“The urgency is real,” he said. “Every drop of progress we make moves us closer to that global goal—and more importantly, to restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity for our people.”

Indaba Marks National Water and Human Rights Month

The Water and Sanitation Indaba is taking place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, reinforcing the idea that access to clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental right.

The event serves as a platform to evaluate past efforts, showcase innovations, and plan for a water-secure future. It also symbolizes the government's recognition of the urgent need for transformation, accountability, and sustainable solutions in the water sector.

“We are committed,” concluded President Ramaphosa, “to a future where every South African has access to safe water and dignified sanitation—no matter where they live.”