Water
Water is a critical natural resource and essential input across multiple sectors of the African economy, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing and municipal services. As an industry term, water encompasses the management, treatment, distribution and regulation of freshwater resources for commercial, industrial and domestic use. In South Africa, water is a constitutionally protected resource, with the National Water Act establishing that water belongs to all people and must be managed sustainably for present and future generations. The country faces significant water stress owing to limited rainfall, high evaporation rates, ageing infrastructure and growing demand from urban centres and industry. Major water-consuming sectors include irrigated agriculture, which accounts for about 60% of national water use, and mining, which requires substantial volumes for mineral processing and dust suppression. Water management in South Africa is overseen by the Department of Water and Sanitation, with regulatory functions including licensing, quality monitoring and infrastructure planning. Key challenges include deteriorating water and wastewater treatment works, non-revenue water losses through leaks and illegal connections, and the need for investment in bulk water supply schemes and desalination capacity. Climate variability and recurring drought cycles have heightened focus on water security, demand management and alternative sources such as groundwater, water reuse and rainwater harvesting. The water sector also intersects with energy policy, as water treatment and pumping are energy-intensive, while hydropower and cooling systems for thermal power stations depend on reliable water supply.
Water Updates
Households continue to face high cost of essentials – Commission 
By: Schalk Burger 4th September 2026 The Competition Commission’s ‘2026 Cost of Living’ (COL) report shows that household budgets are under sustained pressure as electricity, water,... →
SA: Velenkosini Hlabisa: Address by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa 2026, Cape Town (26/08/2026)
26th August 2026 The infrastructure challenges and opportunities facing our cities and municipalities require government, businesses, investors, development... →
CDE report says Joburg budget is ‘disconnected from reality’, with water failures biggest risk
By: Sashnee Moodley 25th August 2026 With unpaid bills owed to the City of Johannesburg rising from about R15-billion in 2014/15 to nearly R72-billion in 2024/25, the Centre for... →
DA hits back at GNU partner ANC’s ‘Thatcherite’ critique of manifesto
By: Thabi Shomolekae 12th August 2026 DA Federal Council Chairperson Ashor Sarupen has hit back at ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula’s criticism of the DA’s newly launched election... →
Daily Podcast – June 26, 2026
By: Halima Frost 26th June 2026 Making headlines: Johannesburg collapse risk spurs call for State to run city; Water committee calls for submissions on Water Bill amendments; And,... →
BRICS Bank lends South Africa $1bn for cities, report says
By: Bloomberg 17th June 2026 New Development Bank is lending South Africa $1-billion for the State to upgrade infrastructure in its eight biggest cities, Business Day reported.... →
AfriForum heads to court to halt Johannesburg Metro’s unlawful water levy
12th June 2026 The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality’s continued refusal to explain or justify its controversial 65,6% increase in the water demand... →
Motion of desirability on the National Water Amendment Bill adopted by Water and Sanitation committee
2nd June 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has adopted the motion of desirability on the National Water Amendment Bill, paving the way for the... →
ActionSA Commends the Progress Made on Stabilising Water Network in Tshwane
24th April 2026 ActionSA commends progress made by the current administration under ActionSA Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya on stabilising the water network in the City of... →
ConCourt ruling does not diminish SAHRC’s constitutional importance
By: Thabi Shomolekae 23rd April 2026 Despite the Constitutional Court ruling that the South African Human Rights Commission cannot issue binding directives, the Court stressed that its... →
