With so much happening in the political sphere, and while politicians are fighting for centre stage, the intensifying water crisis mustn’t be forgotten, especially since the dry, rain-free South African winter months lie ahead.
Not too long ago, the water crisis was a highlight in mainstream media with the Annual Water and Sanitation Indaba held in March to celebrate National Water Week. This is where President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed, “The people of South Africa look to this Water and Sanitation Indaba with hope, and for a clear strategy and plan on how to uphold their dignity through the provision of water and sanitation services that are their basic right. We also look to this Indaba for a clear vision for ensuring South Africa’s water security well into the future.”
The facts, however, speak of a much murkier situation than the ever-hopeful statement made by the President.
Since 2022, there have been four Water and Sanitation Indabas, more than 28 Local and International water conferences and seminars, one Special Water Boards audit, one State of Local Government report, and four Water and Sanitation department annual audit reports.
President Ramaphosa, at the 2025 Water and Sanitation Indaba, said, “By next year, we hope to finalise the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, one of the most significant reforms coming to the sector to date. This new agency will bring strategic alignment, consistency and accountability to the various institutional arrangements for water stewardship that have to date proven to be less than ideal.”
But four years ago, in his 2022 SONA address, the President also promised that “Legislation has been prepared for the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency, and will be published for public comment within the next month.”
Irrelevant
Whether or not a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency ever materialises is irrelevant. This crisis is not due to a lack of data, funds or more agencies; this crisis is a man-made problem born from a lack of capability and skills.
Municipalities have more than forty (40) grantsavailable for various infrastructure and maintenance purposes. In 2024, municipalities received the Water Service Infrastructure Grant totalling R3.6 billion, and the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant at R3.2 billion.
If this doesn’t make your mouth go dry, the refurbishment and renewal backlog will. At the end of the 2023/24 financial year, the estimated total was a shocking R37.6 billion.
Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation, stated in the 2023/24 Audit Report that “Financial sustainability remains a critical concern, with municipal debts to water boards escalating to R21.3 billion by the end of the financial year. This situation threatens the viability of the water sector, which relies heavily on revenue from water sales to sustain operations.”
Scrolling past the preamble of ongoing concern, the facts and figures should make Miss Pemmy very concerned. The financial state of the Water and Sanitation department boggles the mind.
Irregular and fruitless expenditure
The 2023/24 Audit Report shows a total irregular spend of R7.164 billion, fruitless expenditure of R445 billion, and unauthorised expenditure at a measly R641 million in comparison. Adding fuel to the flame, the department has an outstanding contingent liability of R59 million with Fumile Advisory, a company previously accused of fraudulent activities with the department.
One thing is for certain – all of this unaccounted-for money is definitely not being spent on the actual infrastructure or service delivery. In 2024, 34%of Waste-Water Treatment Works (WWTW) received a high-risk rating, while a whopping 28% received a critical risk rating. If the treatment of wastewater is a cold splash across the face, a dismal 37% of government wastewater treatment plants are actually compliant in the monitoring of our water.
Every report is overflowing with statistics and data about the crumbling infrastructure in municipalities, the majority of which are financially distressed. Every report also promises accountability, reform, and dignity. The Auditor General repeatedly states in every report that a lack of skill and competencies is one of the top five reasons for the imploding governance in South Africa.
So, while a total of 52% of departmental expenses is allocated to employee costs, there is still no solution to the crisis of delivering basic services, maintaining current infrastructure, and planning for the future. The only progress I can see is an ever-increasing debt bill surrounded by dry taps and citizens’ hope of a new election.
With all evidence pointing to skill and capability being the solution to our water crisis, the ANC will forge ahead with a new Water Agency instead. Most likely this agency will also have a 52% employee cost allocation.
While I hold my breath, waiting for this elusive Water Agency, the ANC will squeeze the absolute last drop from struggling taxpayers until all the taps finally do run dry.
The views of the writers are not necessarily the views of the Daily Friend or the IRR.
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