{"id":857020,"date":"2026-04-13T16:59:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:59:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=857020"},"modified":"2026-04-13T16:59:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:59:33","slug":"trouble-coming-for-homeowners-with-access-to-popular-dams-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/property\/857020\/trouble-coming-for-homeowners-with-access-to-popular-dams-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Trouble coming for homeowners with access to popular dams in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Proposed new regulations on access to South Africa’s public dams have drawn significant criticism, with fears that they could destroy communities and property values. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new regulations from the Department of Water and Sanitation introduce stricter controls over access to State dams and other waterworks, as well as the surrounding land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of this includes potential lease agreements and new approval requirements for the use of dam surfaces and access infrastructure, such as slipways and jetties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chas Everitt International CEO Berry Everitt said the new regulations would have major consequences for property values, lifestyle estates and local economies built around water-based recreation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The implications could be particularly severe for properties situated around some of the country\u2019s best-known dams,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes the Gariep Dam, Vaal Dam, Hartbeespoort Dam, Theewaterskloof Dam, Loskop Dam, Sterkfontein Dam and Pongolapoort Dam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese dams are not only critical national water assets, but they are also some of SA\u2019s most important lifestyle and tourism destinations,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“They support boating, fishing, nature tourism, weekend accommodation markets and a wide range of small businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everitt, whose parents founded the company, said that demand for waterfront and near-water properties is linked to unrestricted access and lifestyle expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All regulatory changes that can limit access rights, recreational use or the cost of using the water would directly impact buyer sentiment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If access becomes subject to additional approvals, Everitt said that this can change the investment case for both primary homes and holiday properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Many waterfront properties also command a premium specifically due to their recreational appeal and proximity to tourism activity, which benefits local businesses and communities,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thus, any restrictions could not only affect property values but have a negative ripple effect on entire local economies by reducing the demand for the services they provide.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everitt said that industries that could be affected include hospitality, boating, angling, camping and retail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although he acknowledged the need for responsible water management, Everitt said that regulation must balance environmental governance with economic sustainability and existing usage rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DA’s objection<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The DA’s Igor Scheurkogel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The DA’s Igor Scheurkogel said that the draft regulations for resource management plans represented a profound shift in policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This mainly relates to recognising the public nature of water resources and treating state dams as controlled assets that must be leased for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of regulations that threaten property rights, Scheurkogel said the proposals ignore the National Water Act\u2019s explicit recognition of recreational use and existing lawful water uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Act already allows people to use water for \u201creasonable recreational purposes\u201d and explicitly recognises existing lawful uses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any person with lawful access may use the water surface for recreation and portage. However, the draft regulations now require approval from a “competent authority.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scheurkogel said that the Act also limits the definition of landowners, and prohibits access except through formalised leases or access agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Resource Management Plans would require every slipway, jetty, and natural access point to be authorised and are now being used to expropriate access via back-door leases,” the DA member said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Various Resource Management Plans highlight the potential of dams to create jobs and economic opportunities, yet the proposed regulations impose new bureaucratic layers that will harm tourism.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that thousands of people depend on tourism and recreation around state dams, with the yellowfish angling industry on the Vaal River generating over R133 million per season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regulations, which close for public comment on 13 April, can be found below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n