Category: South Africa Government

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane says maximum resources have been mobilised to hunt down a group of criminals who attacked two Crime Intelligence officers this afternoon in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The attack on the Crime Intelligence officers happened in the Mount Edgecombe area.

A member who was the driver of a State vehicle has succumbed to the gunshot wounds sustained at the scene. 

Another member, who was also shot and wounded during the attack, has been airlifted to hospital and is currently receiving urgent medical care.

A manhunt has been launched for the suspects.

South African Police Service (SAPS) specialised units, including Crime Intelligence operatives, detectives, the organised crime unit and highly trained police officers are working around the clock to track down and apprehend those involved.

Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the authority of the State and those who risk their lives in the fight against crime.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

SAPS has deployed its Employee Health and Wellness experts, including psychologists and chaplains, to the family of the deceased and the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit to offer psychosocial services.

SAPS has extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer and has wished the injured member a full and speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially announced 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s upcoming Local Government Elections, setting the stage for political parties and voters to begin preparations.

The President made the announcement on Thursday during the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, where he is meeting with Premiers, mayors and senior government officials.

“I therefore determine that the next local Government Elections will be held on a Wednesday, on a date I now determine as the 4th of November 2026. Therefore, with the full concurrence of the Deputy President here, I now determine that the next Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026,” President Ramaphosa said.

The proclamation follows consultations with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. 

Speaking to the media after the announcement, the President said the elections will mark the completion of a full five-year term since the 2021 municipal polls, in keeping with constitutional timelines. 

“The 4th of November 2026 is the date that we have set for the Local Government Elections that will have completed a full five years since [the] 2021 [elections], and this is in line with our constitutional construct [to] keep to those timelines that are clearly set out in our Constitution,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the announcement provides certainty and signals the official start of the campaign period, with political parties expected to mobilise support and prepare for the polls.

“It gives everyone clear focus on what needs to be done… The race has started, and people will do the best they can.” 

President Ramaphosa noted that while elected leaders will campaign for re-election, the administrative arm of municipalities will continue its work to ensure stability and continuity in governance.

The President also stressed the importance of increasing voter turnout, particularly among young people.

“Many parties are already ensuring that they talk to their voters, their supporters, and get voters to be registered, to come forward and vote. 

“Voter turnout is always a concern to political parties and indeed to the State or the government because the fewer people who vote, the more we get concerned about the status of our democracy. Our task is to increase voter turnout, to get as many people as possible, especially young people, to come out, register and vote,” the President said. 

The President said the remaining six months, supported by media networks, political party mobilisation and the spread of information on social media, should be sufficient. 

“The [objective] is to get everyone to be properly mobilised to go out and vote. Today gives them the starting blocks. They must now work harder to make sure that the campaigning starts and [that] voter registration also starts. I will also be doing my part,” he said.

On service delivery, President Ramaphosa said government has already begun implementing key interventions outlined in the Water Action Plan, with several workstreams underway. 

He acknowledged that poor service delivery often leads to public dissatisfaction, but said government and political leaders have a responsibility to both demonstrate clear plans and encourage citizens to participate in the democratic process.

“Obviously as services fail… people get disgruntled and they become unhappy. Our job as party leaders and government is to encourage people to come and vote — as many of them as possible — and to demonstrate that we have plans,” the President said. 

The President added that further details on implementation timelines would be communicated to ensure transparency and accountability.

The announcement marks the official start of preparations for the 2026 Municipal Elections, with political parties expected to ramp up campaigning and voter registration efforts in the months ahead, while government continues efforts to strengthen local governance and rebuild public trust. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended voluntary community safety structures for their role in protecting communities and strengthening democracy. 

Ntuli was speaking at Zakheni B Community Hall in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, where he officially welcomed newly trained members of community safety structures. 

The event coincided with Freedom Day earlier in the week, which marked 32 years of South Africa’s first democratic elections. 

Delivering his keynote address, Ntuli commended the spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by community safety structure members, noting that their work contributes significantly to protecting the gains of South Africa’s democratic dispensation since 1994.

“Community-based crime prevention structures play a critical role in supporting law enforcement agencies and strengthening grassroots safety interventions,” Ntuli said. 

He highlighted the importance of civic participation, noting that community safety structures embody the spirit of active citizenship central to South Africa’s constitutional democracy. 

Addressing crime concerns 

Ntuli raised concern about the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in parts of the municipality and urged both community safety structures and residents to report illegal weapons to their nearest police stations. 

He also pointed to growing challenges related to drug dependency and increasing incidents of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) reported, particularly in areas such as Zakheni. 

“Law enforcement agencies have identified several high-risk areas requiring intensified intervention and collaboration. These include Pieters Industrial Estate, Qinisa, Zakheni sections A, B, D and E, Manzabilayo, St Chads and Mhlumayo,” the Premier said. 

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between police and community safety structures to effectively combat crime in these hotspots. 

Strengthening partnerships for safer communities

The Premier further acknowledged the role played by traditional leaders, including mayors, the religious sector and the business community in supporting crime prevention efforts and promoting safer environments. 

“Addressing crime requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement and communities,” he said. 

Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening and supporting community safety structures, ensuring they are adequately equipped to contribute meaningfully to safer communities across KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

As the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) celebrates 86 years of existence, Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Minister Parks Tau has lauded the role the institution has played in supporting the mandate of democratic South Africa.

“This role and responsibility is critical as we address challenges, which include slow growth, declining industrial capacity, dwindling investments in the economy’s productive sectors, backlogs in infrastructure, and a persistent concentration of economic power that stifles competitiveness,” Tau said.

Speaking at the IDC offices in Johannesburg on Thursday, Tau said the IDC’s role is evolving from being a traditional direct lender, towards becoming a platform for industrial ecosystem development, mobilising capital, partners and capability to unlock high-impact sectors, and rebuilding South Africa’s industrial base.

“Through the IDC, we partner with countries like Spain, China, Saudi Arabia, Europe and African countries to create financing instruments and blended financing mechanism to leverage resources and maintain a development finance path,” Tau said.

He said the partnership-centred model reflects the scale of South Africa’s industrial challenge and positions the IDC as a primary financing partner for structural reforms in network industries.

“This developmental and transformational path requires an appropriate governance structure. It is for this reason we have appointed a capable board, comprising experienced professionals drawn from the legal, finance, energy, mining and engineering sectors.

“Rest assured that where there are weaknesses in responsiveness, communication, complaints handling or execution, those weaknesses must be addressed. We were part of the engagement with Parliament, and we had an engagement with NAFCOC [National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry]. 

“This is why the IDC is not only reaffirming its mandate today, but it is also strengthening how it responds to ongoing industry concerns,” the Minister said.

Tau used the occasion to announce the members of the IDC board, which is led by Gloria Serobe.

The members are: Ms Busi Mabuza, Advocate Thandi Orleyn, Mr Brian Dames, Ms Tryphosa Ramano, Mr Andre Kriel, Mr Reon Barnard, Ms Tanya Reeva Cohen, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, Dr Tebogo Makube and Dr Keitumetse Mothibedi. 

Tau explained that the board has a responsibility to address the negative and real challenges experiences by black entrepreneurs.

“As we continue to celebrate our freedom and recognise the important contribution made by our labour movement, the IDC’s strategic focus is rightly placed on supporting and creating future-facing, job-rich value chains, including critical minerals, green industries and digital infrastructure.     

“Equally important is the corporation’s emphasis on partnerships, leveraging blended finance and co-investment with the private sector to amplify development impact and crowd in capital. 

“The world economy is changing. Countries are moving to secure supply chains and are investing in strategic sectors, building technological capability to advance and defend industrial competitiveness. South Africa cannot stand still in this environment. Therefore, the IDC’s strategy responds to shifting dynamics in the global economic landscape,” Tau said.

The commemoration of the IDC’s 86 years of existence takes place as the country observes Freedom Month, which marks the country’s transition from the apartheid regime to a free, democratic country. It is in remembrance of the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

Ensuring good governance

IDC chair Serobe said the board is key to guiding strategy renewal, strengthening operational discipline, and ensuring that concerns and complaints are handled credibly and fairly.

“The IDC remains a strategic institution for our country. Its mandate is developmental, to advance industrialisation, jobs and transformation, and it must be sustained through sound governance, risk discipline and financial stewardship. 

“The board’s responsibility is to protect both developmental ambition and the institutional sustainability that make it possible.”

Serobe assured that the IDC is not without oversight or direction. 

“It is being governed, challenged and strengthened so it can remain developmental, accountable and sustainable.” – SAnews.gov.za  

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has accepted a series of resignations from the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including the resignation of the interim Chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, with effect from 27 April 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said Maluleke stepped down from both his roles as board member and interim chairperson, citing personal and academic commitments.

“The Minister has expressed appreciation for his contribution during his tenure, particularly in efforts to strengthen governance and support the core mandate of the NSFAS,” the department said.

The Minister also acknowledged the resignation of board member Karabo Mohale, who chaired the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee.

The department said Mohale’s observations on institutional challenges, including the need for organisational redesign, stronger executive capacity and improved governance systems have been noted as part of the broader assessment of NSFAS.

According to the department, the cumulative effect of these and other resignations has significantly reduced the number of voting members, raising concerns about the board’s ability to remain properly constituted, and fulfil its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities.

The department said the Minister is now assessing the legal and governance implications, including whether the board can continue to exercise effective oversight and decision-making functions, in line with the applicable legislative framework.

As part of this process, Manamela has initiated formal engagements with the remaining board members.

“Individual correspondence has been issued, affording them an opportunity to make representations within a defined timeframe on the current governance position and on any lawful and practical alternatives available to ensure institutional stability.

“The Minister has emphasised that this step is intended to ensure procedural fairness and to allow for a full and considered assessment before any further action is taken,” the department said.

The Department of Higher Education and Training has reassured students, institutions and the public that NSFAS operations will continue without disruption.

“All operational processes, including the disbursement of student funding remain in place and are being closely monitored to ensure continuity and stability.”

The Minister reiterated that NSFAS remains a critical instrument of government policy, central to expanding access to higher education and training for poor and working-class students, and that maintaining its stability is paramount.

The department said it will continue engaging all relevant stakeholders, including Parliament, National Treasury, and oversight bodies as the process unfolds. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent, coordinated action across all three spheres of government to resolve South Africa’s deepening water crisis, warning that poor municipal performance is placing an increasing burden on ordinary citizens. 

Delivering the opening address at an Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting in Boksburg on Thursday, the President placed the country’s water and sanitation challenges at the centre of government’s priorities, outlining reforms already underway, whilst calling for stronger accountability, improved financial management and technical capacity at local level.

The high-level meeting, held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, brought together national, provincial and local government leadership in what President Ramaphosa described as a “historic get-together” aimed at strengthening coordination and delivering concrete solutions.

“This is the first time that the PCC holds an extended meeting that brings together all the mayors and municipal managers of our local government tier of government. You are all participating in a historic get-together,” he said.

WATCH | Extended PCC meeting
 

Water crisis takes centre stage

President Ramaphosa said the deterioration of water services across municipalities has become one of the most immediate and widespread challenges facing the country, despite significant gains since the advent of democracy. 

The meeting takes place as South Africa observes Freedom Month, which marks the country’s transition from the apartheid regime to a free, democratic country. It is in commemoration of the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

“There is no doubt that over the three decades of democracy, we have made great progress in extending access to water,” President Ramaphosa said, noting that over 82% of households had access to piped water by 2022, up from 61% in 1996.

However, he warned that reliability has worsened.

“The percentage of households that experienced water interruptions lasting more than two days at a time increased from 24% in 2012 to 34% in 2024,” the President said. 

He attributed the crisis to a combination of ageing infrastructure, illegal connections, weak maintenance, poor revenue collection and institutional instability, adding that metros are losing vast amounts of water before it can even be billed.

“Our eight metropolitan municipalities are collectively losing an average of 34% of all water purchased before it can be billed. Some metros are approaching 50%,” he said. 

Coordinated national response underway

The President pointed to ongoing reforms under Operation Vulindlela and confirmed that government has already begun implementing structural interventions in the water sector. 

These include the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, improvements in water-use licensing, and the reinstatement of key monitoring reports to track municipal performance.

READ our feature: Taking practical steps to protect SA’s water resources

He also highlighted the Metro Trading Services Reform programme aimed at restoring financial sustainability and unlocking investment in municipal services.

In response to the crisis, President Ramaphosa reiterated the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee announced earlier this year at the during the State of the Nation Address (SoNA), which will oversee the implementation of a National Water Action Plan. 

“As we did to great effect in overcoming load shedding, the Water Crisis Committee will oversee the implementation of a National Water Action Plan,” he said. 

Five principles to guide action 

President Ramaphosa outlined five key principles to guide government’s response, stressing the need for urgency and discipline in execution. 

“First, accountability must be restored. Every institution represented here must be clear about its role, obligations and timelines. The people of South Africa are entitled to know who is responsible if commitments are not met. 

“Second, the financial integrity of water services must be protected. Revenue generated from water services must be ring-fenced to support the operation, maintenance, upgrading and long-term sustainability of those services,” he said.

The President warned that if infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate while revenues are diverted to other functions, the water crisis will only deepen.  

“Third, technical and professional capability must be strengthened. Municipal water and sanitation systems require qualified engineers, plant operators, project managers, technicians and financial experts. 

“Without the right people in the right posts, even the best plans will remain unimplemented. Fourth, there must be consequence management,” the President said.

The President emphasised that where there is underperformance, it must be corrected, and where there is persistent failure, there must be swift intervention. 

“There must be no space for corruption, criminality or sabotage,” he said. 

Lastly, the President emphasised that cooperative governance must be made practical. 

“We are three spheres of government, but we are one State serving one people. We need to be aligned around a shared purpose and disciplined execution,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Fixing local government at the core 

Beyond the water crisis, President Ramaphosa acknowledged broader systemic weaknesses in municipalities, including limited revenue bases, skills shortages and governance instability.

“This results in poor service delivery. Water and electricity disruptions are common. Roads and other infrastructure are not maintained. It is ordinary South Africans who bear the costs of this. 

“Our task in this meeting is not to repeat the catalogue of shortcomings and weaknesses in local government, but to focus on the solutions,” the President said. 

He said the forthcoming White Paper on Local Government will be critical in “reimagining” how municipalities function, while efforts to cut red tape and professionalise the public service are essential to unlock economic growth. 

“Bureaucratic delays are driving investment away and shutting out the very entrepreneurs we need to grow our local economies,” he said. 

Call for political will

President Ramaphosa emphasised that while plans and structures are in place, success will depend on political commitment and cooperation across all spheres of government.

“The water crisis puts that mandate to the test. The National Water Crisis Committee provides the means of coordination. The National Water Action Plan provides the roadmap. What this meeting must provide is the political commitment across all three spheres to make both of them work,” he said. 

The President concluded with a call for decisive action. 

“The country is looking to us to secure an uninterrupted supply of water to all citizens, businesses and institutions, now and into the future. We have the means to do this. Let us demonstrate that we have the will,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga have committed to eradicate the housing backlog affecting military veterans by 2029.

The undertaking was made during a recent engagement with community members and housing beneficiaries, including military veterans, the elderly, destitute and child-headed household in the uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

The visit formed part of government’s service delivery programme, which included the handover of houses to military veterans and title deeds to beneficiaries of fully subsidised housing.

In her address, Motshekga acknowledged delays in delivering houses to military veterans. She informed the community that President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Ministers to prioritise the completion of existing projects, particularly the military veterans’ housing backlog.

The Ministers have directed provinces to verify all bona fide military veterans in need of housing. In KwaZulu-Natal, 490 veterans have so far been confirmed as requiring housing, with processes underway to expedite delivery.

“Together with Minister Simelane, we shall endeavour to do our best to finish what we can during this term of office. Military veterans sacrificed their lives and families so that we can have a free and democratic South Africa, and they should be honoured,” Motshekga said.

The community engagement took place as South Africa commemorates Freedom Month, which marks the country’s transition from the apartheid regime to a free, democratic country. It is in commemoration of the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

At the event, the Ministers handed over houses to military veterans and 500 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries.

The houses form part of the uMshwathi Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), which isexpected to deliver 2 922 housing units. The development includes Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses, First Home Finance opportunities, social housing and units dedicated to military veterans.

To date, 744 units have been completed and handed over.

The Ministers were accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, uMshwathi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mandla Zondi, and uMgungundlovu District Municipality Executive Mayor Mzi Zuma.

eThekwini commended for flood recovery housing efforts

Meanwhile, Simelane commended the provincial government and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality for their concerted efforts in providing permanent housing to victims of the devastating 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods.

During a visit to Cornubia, under Operation Siyahlola, the Minister said 113 housing units are nearing completion and expected to be handed over to the beneficiaries in May 2026.

“I take comfort [in the fact] that the procurement process to appoint contractors to build 976 units is at an advanced stage. We challenge those appointed to deliver on time, within budget and quality,” Simelane said.

A total of 1 200 families are expected to benefit from the project, which is scheduled for completion in June this year. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over the northern half of the Northern Cape, as well as the central and western parts of the North West and the northern Free State.

These storms, according to SAWS, will be associated with strong, damaging winds, hail and heavy downpours, which may lead to localised flooding and damage to susceptible formal and informal settlements, as well as critical infrastructure.

SAWS said the conditions are expected to intensify today, with widespread rainfall spreading to the Free State and Eastern Cape, reaching up to 90mm in places.

“An Orange Level 6 warning, along with a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for most parts of the Northern Cape, North West and Free State, with similar impacts as mentioned above. Temperatures are also expected to drop over the affected provinces,” SAWS said in a statement.

SAWS said a cut-off low (COL) is currently situated to the west of the country, which was earlier expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa. A COL is a slow-moving or stationary low-pressure system that develops in the upper atmosphere, which can linger over an area for several days, often bringing severe weather.

The COL will gradually move eastwards and is forecasted to exit the country by Friday, 1 May. 

Thereafter, conditions will begin to clear, leaving behind isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers in places over the North West, Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape until late afternoon.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution by observing driving safety precautions and reducing speed where necessary, avoiding flooded roads and low-lying areas, and refraining from seeking shelter under trees or tall objects during storms. 

SAWS says it will continue to monitor conditions closely and will issue updates as necessary. – SAnews.gov.za

As pressure mounts on the country’s water systems, government is turning its focus below the surface – introducing measures to better protect and manage this critical resource that sustains millions in the country.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken a significant step in this direction with the draft National Water Act Regulations: Protection and Management of Groundwater Resources, aimed at safeguarding South Africa’s long-term water security, whilst also ensuring that the basic human right of access to water for all South Africans is met.

“The draft regulations were developed to strengthen the protection, management and sustainable utilisation of groundwater resources in South Africa. Groundwater plays a critical role in the country’s water security, particularly in rural areas and during periods of drought,” the DWS spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, told SAnews.gov.za.

In an interview with SAnews, Mavasa said the draft regulations, which were put out for public comment until 2 March, aim to introduce clearer standards, improve monitoring and accountability, and ensure that groundwater resources are developed and managed in a sustainable manner. 

“The proposed regulations also aim to improve data and information management through the registration of geosites (boreholes) for all existing and new groundwater users, and the systematic capturing of borehole drilling, geosites, and geohydrological information and reports,” Mavasa explained.

Asked about whether South Africa is doing enough to protect its groundwater, Mavasa said South Africa has made significant progress in strengthening water resource management through legislative frameworks, such as the National Water Act and various national strategies. 

“However, as more households turn to groundwater as an alternative water supply, additional strain is being put on South Africa’s aquifers. These water resources are also under threat from factors such as climate variability, population growth and economic development, meaning that continued improvements are necessary to protect our valuable resources, and therefore the need for these regulations.”

Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing, permeable rock, gravel, sand or silt that store and transmit groundwater.

Prior to the draft regulations, which appeared in the Government Gazette dated 10 December 2025, South Africa did not have groundwater regulations.

“There are currently no groundwater regulations in place. While the National Water Act (NWA), 1998, provides the overarching legal framework for water resource management, the department identified a need for more specific regulatory provisions. The proposed regulations seek to fill the gaps currently, which have been identified in the NWA,” Mavasa said.

The regulations aim to standardise borehole drilling and management, given that the standardisation of these varies.

“While industry bodies and professional associations have developed guidelines and best practice guidelines, the level of standardisation across the country varies, often being enforced through municipal by-laws. The proposed regulations aim to introduce a more uniform regulatory framework that will improve accountability, ensure minimum construction standards, and protect aquifers from contamination or overexploitation.” 

The draft regulations also speak to groundwater protection, where municipalities must develop a groundwater protection scheme within five years of the promulgation of the regulations. Currently, municipalities don’t have groundwater protection schemes in place.  Groundwater is often governed through by-laws and management strategies but how this is done varies from municipality to municipality. 

On just how much of an impact drought plays in the future of the country’s groundwater, the DWS considered this to be “significant”.

“Groundwater plays a particularly important role during periods of drought, as it can provide a more reliable source of water when surface water resources are under stress. Drought, climate uncertainty and climate variability will lead more households to utilise groundwater as an alternative source of water supply,” Mavasa said.

Comments 

The DWS has received numerous comments since the closure of the public opinion period.

“The regulations published on the 10th of December were draft regulations. We have already received numerous comments, each of which the department will process and respond to. Once all comments have been processed and responded to, all relevant and appropriate comments will be incorporated into the final draft regulations. The final draft regulations will then be gazetted for implementation,” she said.

Recently, parts of South Africa experienced water shortages that led to President Cyril Ramamphosa announcing the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee, which he would chair. Announced at the State of the Nation Address in February, the committee will deploy technical experts and resources from national government to municipalities facing water challenges.

Infrastructure and constitutional mandate 

Asked whether municipalities across the country are looking after their water infrastructure and if they take advice from the department in running their water affairs, Mavasa said municipalities have a constitutional mandate to provide water and sanitation services and are responsible for the operation and maintenance of water infrastructure within their jurisdictions. 

“The Department of Water and Sanitation plays an oversight and support role, providing guidance, regulatory oversight and technical assistance where required. The Blue, Green and No Drop assessments of the performance of municipal drinking water and wastewater systems provide evidence that many municipalities are not looking after their water infrastructure. Sometimes municipalities take advice from DWS, sometimes they do not.”

As South Africa this year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Constitution, which speaks to water being a human right, the DWS remains committed to ensuring access to water for its citizens.

“[The year] 2026 coincides with the 30-year anniversary of the Constitution. As per the Constitution, access to sufficient water is recognised as a human right. The Department of Water and Sanitation remains committed to ensuring that all South Africans have access to safe and reliable water services,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za