SA Water Sector Secures Landmark Cooperation Pact to Boost Security & Sanitation

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken a decisive step toward strengthening South Africa’s water resilience by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions in South Africa (AWSISA). The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit in Cape Town, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to advancing both domestic and continental water security agendas.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and AWSISA Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo officiated the signing, describing the partnership as a landmark moment in aligning government and sectoral institutions to tackle the country’s pressing water and sanitation challenges.

Building a Shared Framework for Action

The MoC establishes a strategic cooperation framework that will enable DWS and AWSISA to pool resources, expertise, and policy influence. Its provisions include:

• Alignment of strategies and programmes to ensure coordinated water sector development.

• Joint engagement on policy, legislation, and sector reforms to strengthen governance and accountability.

• Research, data sharing, and innovation collaboration, with a focus on practical solutions for service delivery.

• Leadership development and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at nurturing skilled professionals in the sector.

• Advocacy and awareness campaigns to mobilise public participation and support for water conservation.

• Co-hosting of summits and workshops that foster dialogue on infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, and transformation.

This structured partnership is designed to overcome longstanding obstacles such as inadequate funding, skills shortages, infrastructure backlogs, and weak institutional coordination.

Minister Majodina: From Symbolism to Urgent Action

Speaking after the signing, Minister Majodina stressed that the agreement represented more than symbolic intent—it marked a practical and urgent commitment to act.

“Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a basic human right and a cornerstone of public health, dignity, and economic development,” she said. “By pooling our expertise, resources, and influence, we can accelerate the pace of change, address infrastructure backlogs, build institutional capacity, and introduce innovative solutions that respond to the realities of our communities.”

Majodina further emphasized that collaboration is essential to achieving a water-secure South Africa, while also contributing meaningfully to the broader African development goals under Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sector-Wide Transformation and Innovation

AWSISA, representing key water and sanitation institutions across the country, welcomed the agreement as a transformational milestone that will help unlock investments and fast-track service delivery to underserved communities. Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo noted that the partnership will drive practical outcomes through stronger coordination and more responsive policy frameworks.

The collaboration is also expected to help introduce innovative technologies—such as smart water management systems, renewable energy-driven sanitation solutions, and advanced leak detection methods—that can modernize South Africa’s water infrastructure while reducing costs and losses.

Regional and Global Leadership

The MoC also reinforces South Africa’s position as a leader in regional and global water diplomacy. Coming during the AIP Water Investment Summit—where over $10 billion in pledges were mobilised for water and sanitation projects across Africa—the signing signals the country’s intention to set an example of institutional collaboration and capacity-building.

By establishing a unified framework between government and sectoral stakeholders, South Africa is also better positioned to influence continental water security dialogues, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 UN Water Conference to be hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.

A Path Toward Water Security and Dignity

The agreement between DWS and AWSISA reflects growing recognition that South Africa’s water challenges cannot be solved by government alone, but require inclusive partnerships, innovation, and active citizen participation.

If implemented effectively, the MoC could accelerate progress toward universal access to safe water and dignified sanitation, while advancing the country’s commitments to both climate resilience and social equity.