The University of South Africa (UNISA), in collaboration with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), hosted the 2025 Water Imbizo on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, under the theme “Forging Collective Solutions Towards the South African Water Crisis.”
Held during National Water Week, the event brought together academics, researchers and stakeholders to address critical issues such as declining water reserves, intergenerational water preservation and equitable resource management.
Professor Puleng LenkaBula, UNISA Principal and Vice-Chancellor, opened the event by raising urgent concerns around water pollution, fair distribution and policy reform.
“What to do we do about these concerns, and how do we influence the policy systems that govern and protect our water sources?” asked LenkaBula.
LenkaBula pointed to failures in water conservation, particularly in areas like the Vaal where infrastructure struggles to support sustainable usage.
“It appears that in areas such as the Vaal and other regions, we have not learned how to save water for future use,” said LenkaBula. “We need you, as scientists, to give us solutions to ensure that the quality of water is enabling for the sustainability of communities and industry, and ensures ecological and environmental sustainability.”
LenkaBula emphasised the need for technology-driven water management to bridge disparities between townships, rural areas and urban centres, aligning with democratic progress.
In a pre-recorded address, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo described water access as a matter of “dignity and security,” noting the strain on infrastructure from urban migration and uneven rainfall.
“Urban migration placed major duress on the ailing water infrastructure, with increased demand heightening the water crisis,” said Mahlobo.
He noted South Africa’s annual rainfall of 450 mm, half the global average of 860 mm, and pointed to recent crises in Nelson Mandela Bay, where dam levels have critically dropped.
Mahlobo outlined the skewed water allocation, with agriculture consuming 60%, domestic use 27%, industry 3% and nature conservation and afforestation 3%, stressing the need for science-based adjustments to ensure fairness and sustainability. While acknowledging improved household access since apartheid, he called for stronger partnerships with academia and municipalities to optimise the country’s annual water runoff of 49 million cubic metres.
“We need to work with these sectors to address the allocations and adjust them using science, technology, and data applications to ensure a fair allocation while ensuring sustainable production.” said Mahlobo.
The Deputy Minister said the DWS is working with municipalities to improve revenue collection, regulate water tankers and enforce conservation laws, while encouraging responsible water usage within communities and industries.
Dr Valerie Naidoo, Senior Manager for Water Advisory Services at the WRC, detailed the organisation’s role in advancing water research, governance and innovation. She highlighted a roadmap for smart water management aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on digital systems, circular economies and collaborative research to maximise efficiency.
Naidoo said the WRC is a dedicated key player established by legislation towards generating new knowledge on water research and preservation, and stressed the significance of building partnerships with stakeholders present at the imbizo to tackle the water issues the country is facing.
Sandile Ngcobo from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) warned that infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth.
He referenced a Magalies Water study led by Professor Vhahangwele Masindi, which identified unregulated contaminants like pharmaceutical waste, landfill leachate and industrial effluents in key catchments.
Ngcobo noted partnerships with universities, including UNISA, and bursaries for students pursuing water management and environmental science to address these challenges through 4IR technologies.
The imbizo concluded with deliberations by experts like Professor Anja du Plessis and Senior Researcher at Ekurhuleni Water Care Company, James Topkin, reinforcing the need for actionable, research-backed solutions and multisectoral collaboration to secure South Africa’s water future.
