MIL Africa Engine

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, says innovation, research and strong partnerships will be critical to securing South Africa’s water future, as the country confronts growing challenges posed by climate change, ageing infrastructure and water demand.

Majodina made the remarks at the opening of Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Biennial Conference and Exhibition, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Held from 22–24 July 2026, under the theme: “Rethink Amanzi – Securing Our Future” –  the conference has brought together more than 2 000 delegates, including scientists, engineers, researchers, policymakers, municipalities, development partners and private sector representatives in Southern Africa, to explore solutions for improving water security across South Africa and the continent.

Majodina said the conference provides one of Africa’s leading platforms for advancing research, innovation, and collaboration in the water sector.

“The increasingly complex challenges confronting the water sector cannot be solved by any single institution acting alone,” the Minister said.

She highlighted the Department of Water and Sanitation’s long-standing partnership with WISA, saying the collaboration has strengthened professional development, technical capacity, policy development, and innovation within the sector.

According to the Minister, securing the country’s water future will require more than investing in infrastructure.

“It will demand new forms of leadership, new governance models, new financing mechanisms, new technologies and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed commitment to collective action,” Majodina said.

Majodina said delegates will over the next three days interrogate some of the most pressing issues confronting the sector, including resilient infrastructure, innovative financing, water governance and accountability, climate adaptation, digital technologies, groundwater development, water reuse, circular economy approaches, citizen science, municipal performance, youth leadership and the future of water research.

She described innovation as central to government’s efforts to move from managing recurring water crises to building long-term water security.

“The future of water security will be built through innovation, collaboration and evidence-based policymaking,” Majodina said.

The Minister said research also has a vital role in shaping policy and improving service delivery.

Hundreds of technical papers will be presented during the conference, covering issues including emerging contaminants, reuse, Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate adaptation, and advanced treatment.

“The future depends on generating, applying and sharing knowledge so that research informs policy and improves service delivery at scale,” Majodina said.

She also stressed the importance of developing the next generation of water professionals, saying investment in engineers, scientists, researchers, and young practitioners is essential to the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Majodina said technological advances, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and smart monitoring systems, are transforming water management by improving predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and decision-making. However, she emphasised that technology complements, rather than replaces, skilled professionals.

The Minister also called for stronger partnerships between government, academia, business, civil society and development partners to mobilise investment and accelerate innovation.

She said blended financing models that combine public, private and development finance would be needed to meet the scale of investment required to modernise water infrastructure while maintaining water as a public good.

Beyond South Africa, Majodina said regional cooperation remains vital to strengthening water security.

She noted that South Africa recently co-chaired the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Water and Energy, where member states reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration on shared watercourses, climate resilience, and regional infrastructure development.

The country has also proposed the establishment of a SADC Water Week to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the water sector.

Majodina urged delegates to use the conference to forge new partnerships, exchange ideas and develop practical solutions that will improve water security for millions of people.

“The true success of this conference will be measured by partnerships formed, innovations adopted, institutions strengthened and tangible improvements for millions of South Africans,” the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The inaugural Defence Industry Lekgotla has been challenged to deliver practical solutions to revitalise South Africa’s defence industry, with government and Parliament warning that the gathering must not become “another talk shop” as the sector grapples with years of underfunding and shrinking acquisition opportunities.

Held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria from 20 to 22 July, the Defence Industry Lekgotla brought together about 300 delegates from government, industry, labour and academia to chart a path towards rebuilding the country’s defence capabilities.

Addressing delegates on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Major General (Retired) Bantu Holomisa called for an honest assessment of the Department of Defence’s challenges, saying years of funding constraints have left the department struggling to meet its broad mandate.

He said the department faces mounting infrastructure backlogs, ageing military facilities in need of maintenance and modernisation, deteriorating prime mission equipment, inadequate military housing and healthcare facilities, as well as ongoing funding, skills and research challenges.

“The reality is that the Department has substantial responsibilities, but the resources available to meet all those responsibilities are limited. We cannot pretend otherwise.

“The question before us is therefore not whether the problems exist. The Department cannot simply assume that every infrastructure backlog, every equipment requirement and every modernisation project will be fully funded through additional allocations from the National Treasury. That is not a realistic assumption,” Holomisa said.

While acknowledging the financial constraints, Holomisa stressed that government cannot accept the steady decline of South Africa’s strategic defence capabilities.

He warned that allowing military bases and critical infrastructure to deteriorate would ultimately prove more costly than investing in timely maintenance, adding that military personnel should not be expected to live and work in conditions that undermine their dignity and morale.

“We must therefore consider additional and innovative ways of mobilising capital and expertise,” he said.

Holomisa welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) 30-year force modernisation strategy, Journey to Greatness, saying it marks an important step towards reversing years of defence budget cuts.

“The timing of this conference is great because Cabinet has approved the Journey to Greatness, meaning the Defence Budget will look different and be in line with the instruction of the President that the Defence defunding must be arrested and the defence budget should grow to a favourable 1.5% of the GDP,” he said.

Members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence said the long-awaited Lekgotla comes after years of constrained defence spending, declining procurement opportunities and broader economic pressures that have placed significant strain on the defence sector.

They said a sustainable defence industrial base is critical not only for national security but also for advanced manufacturing, research and innovation, skills development, employment creation and export growth.

Joint Standing Committee on Defence Co-Chairperson Phiroane Phala said Parliament had long advocated for a forum of this nature.

“The fact that we have now arrived at this point is a positive development, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute constructively to these discussions,” Phala said.

He added that South Africa’s understanding of sovereignty must evolve to meet the realities of modern warfare.

“Our understanding of sovereignty must reflect the realities of modern warfare and modern defence technology. Sovereign capability does not necessarily mean that every capability must be produced entirely within our borders. Rather, it means that South Africa must retain the ability to maintain operational freedom, protect critical technologies, sustain essential capabilities, and make strategic decisions in the national interest,” he said.

Phala noted that Parliament’s calls for the Lekgotla were informed by years of engagement with organisations such as the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association, South African defence companies and oversight work involving institutions including the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said South Africa has the industrial capacity to compete in the global defence market but requires stronger coordination and long-term planning.

He described Cabinet’s approval of Journey to Greatness as a significant milestone that provides the defence industry with the predictable long-term demand signal it has lacked for the past three decades.

Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans Chairperson Dakota Legoete said Parliament was participating in the Lekgotla not merely as an observer but to fulfil its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

“We participate because we represent the people of South Africa, and because our constitutional mandate requires us to exercise oversight over the executive and the defence establishment. Our role is to contribute constructively to these deliberations, while also ensuring that the outcomes of this Lekgotla translate into actions that advance the public interest and strengthen our national defence capability,” Legoete said.

He said Parliament would closely monitor implementation of the Lekgotla’s resolutions.

“The Portfolio Committee, together with the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, will monitor the Minister’s response to the resolutions adopted and the final plan put forward. We will exercise oversight over the implementation plan that follows and assess progress against the commitments made during this Lekgotla. Where needed and identified, we will also drive the necessary legislative process,” Legoete said.

To ensure the Lekgotla delivers lasting results, Holomisa proposed that discussions on public-private partnerships in the defence sector become a standing agenda item at meetings of Parliament’s defence committees.

“The question is whether we will continue to respond to our needs only when the crisis has already emerged, or whether we will develop a long-term model that allows us to plan, invest, modernise and sustain our defence capabilities.

“To avoid this from being a talk shop, I am requesting that my colleagues in Parliament, the Portfolio Committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence ensure that this PPP discussion becomes a standing agenda item in all their meetings. This will help monitor implementation,” Holomisa said. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has welcomed the adoption of the province’s R168.2 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, marking an important milestone towards driving economic growth, strengthening service delivery and improving the lives of residents. 

The budget, approved by the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Tuesday, provides a firm foundation for the province’s continued journey from recovery to renewal and reflects government’s commitment to responsible financial management, fiscal discipline and sustainable development. 

Rodgers said the budget is aligned with the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan and is designed to protect frontline services, while creating conditions necessary for inclusive economic growth. 

More than 80% of provincial expenditure has been allocated to the Education, Health and Social Development departments, with additional funding earmarked to ease budgetary pressures in the education and health sectors. 

This includes support for the equalisation of Grade R teachers’ salaries and the strengthening of critical healthcare services.

The budget also prioritises infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth. Significant funding has been allocated for road maintenance, the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, and investments in early childhood development, agriculture, tourism and public infrastructure to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities across the province.

Rodgers described the adoption of the budget as a strong vote of confidence in the province’s future.

“Taking into account the constrained fiscal environment, this budget reflects the shared commitment of the Government of Provincial Unity to build a stronger, more resilient KwaZulu-Natal. It protects essential services, invests in our people, and creates opportunities for economic growth and job creation. Most importantly, it positions our province to move forward with confidence as we work together to deliver a better future for all citizens,” Rodgers said. 

The MEC said the provincial government will now focus on implementing the budget and ensuring that every rand spent delivers meaningful value to communities.

“Through sound governance, strategic investment and a continued focus on service delivery, the provincial government remains committed to building a prosperous, inclusive and growing KwaZulu-Natal,” Rodgers said.

eNdumeni urged to adopt credible budget

Meanwhile, Rodgers has engaged with eNdumeni Mayor Mcebo Mkhize, senior councillors and municipal officials to discuss solutions to the political and administrative challenges that have prevented the municipality from adopting its 2026/27 budget, a breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by senior officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and members of the MEC’s Ministry. 

According to the provincial treasury, discussions were constructive, with all stakeholders expressing a shared commitment to finding a solution that places the interests of eNdumeni residents first. 

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury and Provincial CoGTA reiterated their availability to support the municipality in developing a credible and funded budget that will safeguard service delivery and improve the municipality’s financial sustainability.

The meeting also discussed a proposed plan to address the municipality’s debt to Eskom, which will be presented to the municipal council for consideration and possible adoption. 

Rodgers said the people of eNdumeni deserve a municipality that is focused on service delivery and sound financial management.

“The focus of the budget and its approval should be in the best interests of the residents of eNdumeni. The people of eNdumeni are not all interested in politics, but all stand to benefit from affordable and sustainable services. The KZN Treasury team is committed to assisting the local municipality,” Rodgers said.

The MEC reminded the municipality that the provincial government has resolved that eNdumeni must adopt a credible and funded budget by 31 July 2026, failing which the municipality will be dissolved, and an administrator will be appointed.

However, Rodgers emphasised that such an outcome is not the preferred option of the provincial government and that every effort should be made to resolve outstanding matters through cooperation and responsible leadership.

Rodgers also urged councillors to remain guided by the principle of putting principles before politics, and to work together in the interests of the community.

“The provincial government remains confident that, through continued engagement and collaboration, eNdumeni can adopt a credible budget that strengthens governance, protects service delivery and supports the municipality’s long-term development,” Rodgers said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Special Tribunal has declared that the National Lotteries Commission’ (NLC) decision to award a R4 million grant to non-profit organisation (NPO) Mshandukani Foundation unlawful, reviewing and setting it aside.

The Tribunal has also ruled that the funds be repaid, including interest.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had investigated the funding, which found irregularities in the awarding as well as use of the funds.

“[The] investigation… revealed that the funding application was based on a [borehole] project that had already been completed several years earlier and that the grant funds were diverted to entities linked to the foundation’s leadership.

“The SIU’s investigation found that the Mshandukani Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO), applied in February 2019 for grant funding of R4 708 000 to implement a community development project aimed at providing clean water to communities in the Eastern Cape.

“The application, signed by the Mshandukani Foundation’s Chairperson, Pretty Shandukani, to the NLC indicated that the project would benefit 8015 vulnerable people and create 15 part-time jobs. It also included operational costs such as salaries, stipends, audit fees, bank charges and travel expenses,” the SIU explained.

The funding was approved by former NLC Chief Operating Officer Phillemon Letwaba and was further distributed to various individuals and organisations including some R3.6 million paid to Preldon Construction CC, a company owned by Pretty Mshandukani.

“From the R3.6 million, R500 000 was paid… to Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Mr Letwaba’s wife, Ms Rebotile Malomane, and R550 000 was paid… to Mshandukani Holdings, purportedly as a loan.

“Furthermore, Preldon Construction made several payments of R700 000 to Mshandukani Foundation, R2.1 million to Mshandukani Holdings, R150 000 to an associate, and R120 000 to Mr Mshandukani’s personal account. Additionally, R39 675 was paid to Rocbit Drilling Equipment,” the SIU said.

The investigation also found:

• The borehole work itself was of poor quality.
• Engcobo Local Municipality had no legal authority over the schools and clinics because responsibility for water services rests with the Chris Hani District Municipality.
• Mshandukani Foundation lacked the necessary approvals under the South African Schools Act and had failed to consult the Department of Basic Education, as required.

“The SIU also discovered that two employees of Mshandukani Holdings, a geologist intern and a receptionist, had been listed as members of the foundation without their knowledge or consent.

“The SIU found that neither the foundation, Mr Letwaba, Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events, nor Ms Malomane had provided any explanation for how the grant funds were used,” the corruption busting unit added.

The SIU was authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the NLC through Proclamation R32 of 2020 signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za