South Africa’s next Eskom-sized crisis is already here
Experts have warned that South Africa is heading for a water crisis as supply infrastructure crumbles—and the escalation of water shedding, particularly in Gauteng, is one of the many signs that the crisis is already here.
This has been flagged as a major risk to economic growth and political stability.
The latest data shows almost two-thirds of water-supplying municipalities in South Africa (94 of 144) failed to provide clean drinking water to residents.
In 61 municipalities, water treatment and supply were in “a critical state”, according to the latest Blue Drop Report.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said that around 40% of the water pumped from sources is non-revenue water, meaning it’s lost through leaks and other inefficiencies.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, a climate specialist at the University of Pretoria, Professor David Walwyn noted that another major concern is that, of the precious water we do have, much of it is contaminated due to failures at water treatment plants—a double blow to the country’s water resources.
“68% of wastewater treatment facilities in the country failed to adequately process the incoming water, which is a big problem,” he said.
Water has become an issue on par with the country’s electricity and logistics crises. Experts warn that water boards are in a death spiral and estimate that it would take R1 trillion to fix the crisis.
Problems in Gauteng
Over the past year, water shortages have significantly impacted South Africa’s economy, particularly in the province of Gauteng.
The country’s economic hub has been facing sustained water shortages since the middle of last year.
Rand Water informed three municipalities in central Gauteng – Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni – that their system was at risk of collapsing.
In March, a lightning strike at a pumping station left large parts of Johannesburg without water for up to 11 days at a time.
Economist Marie Antelme and ESG analyst Leila Joseph said in July 2024 that water security is arguably one of the most critical risks to South Africa’s social, economic, and political long-term future.
According to the DWS, the demand for water is projected to significantly rise over the next 20 years, while the water supply is expected to decrease.
As a result, there is an expected 17% supply shortfall by 2030.
Along with instances of inadequate planning and management, a substantial lack of investment in infrastructure has caused rapid decay, vandalism, and corruption.
Experts warn the water supply crisis in South Africa could severely damage its economy by disrupting agriculture, industry, and daily life, leading to food shortages, job losses, and reduced industrial output.
As livelihoods are threatened, public discontent could escalate, sparking protests and social unrest.
This instability risks eroding investor confidence, decreasing foreign investments, and straining government resources.
Holding municipalities accountable
The Department of Water and Sanitation recognises the massive task of addressing the crisis and is aware that municipal maintenance negligence has contributed to the ageing and collapsing infrastructure.
The new Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, said an unacceptable amount of water is lost through their leaks due to poor infrastructure, but also noted that extreme weather is compounding the issues.
She added that while the demand cannot intervene, it will support municipalities in its full capacity to ensure that water supply issues are addressed.
Currently, the DWS cannot directly intervene when municipalities fail to supply drinking water up to standard.
The Water Services Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament in November, seeks to strengthen enforcement by allowing the department to issue directives to municipalities that fail to provide clean drinking water.
Should a municipality not comply with a directive to meet minimum standards within the required time frame, the Bill would allow the water minister to appoint “any water services institution” to take over “all the duties” related to water provision.
This includes operations, maintenance, refurbishment and expansion, billing and revenue, procurement, supply chain management, and human resources.
The department said on Monday (5 August) that it is currently drafting legislation to require municipalities to ensure compliance regarding water accessibility and infrastructure development.
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