The National Water Amendment Bill has cleared its first major parliamentary hurdle after the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation adopted a motion of desirability, allowing the proposed legislation to proceed to the next stages of Parliament's law-making process.
The decision followed a robust debate among committee members, with differing views emerging on whether concerns about potential impacts on employment and food security should delay the Bill’s progression.
At the centre of the debate was the question of whether Parliament has sufficient information to assess the possible consequences of proposed reforms to water allocation and access, particularly for sectors such as agriculture that are heavily dependent on water resources. Some committee members argued that additional information is required before Parliament can fully assess the implications of the Bill.
Committee member Mr Steven Moore cautioned against moving too quickly without a comprehensive understanding of the Bill’s possible impact on jobs and food production. “The record shows that we have requested information in order to assure ourselves that this Bill does not risk food and job security, he said during deliberations.
He argued that South Africa’s current economic conditions, characterised by rising food prices and persistent unemployment, require lawmakers to exercise caution before making decisions that could affect key productive sectors. “I think it is critical at this time in our nation, when we are losing jobs across the country and when food prices are rising, to have adequate information to make an informed decision,” he said.
However, supporters of the motion argued that adopting the motion of desirability does not amount to approving the Bill. Instead, they maintained that it merely allows Parliament to begin a more detailed process of public consultation, stakeholder engagement and clause-by-clause scrutiny.
Committee member Mr Sello Dithebe argued that fears regarding the Bill’s impact on jobs and food security should not become a barrier to addressing long-standing inequalities in the water sector. “In its preamble, the Constitution reminds us of the divisions of the past and the need for us to heal them,” he said.
He argued that concerns about economic consequences should not be used to oppose transformation initiatives aimed at broadening access to water resources. “We cannot afford to assume a posture where we say we do not need transformation because it will destroy jobs. It will not,” he said.
The debate also highlighted broader concerns about the legacy of South Africa’s water allocation system. Committee member Mr Visvin Reddy argued that inequalities established before the advent of democracy continue to influence access to water resources today. He suggested that Parliament cannot ignore the reality that many communities still struggle to access reliable water services while disparities in water allocation remain evident three decades into democracy. “Even the department admits inequality in water allocation still exists,” he said.
Mr Reddy added that while he has reservations about whether the Bill goes far enough to address these challenges, he remains open to engagement as the legislative process unfolds.
The adoption of the motion of desirability means that Parliament has accepted the principle and objectives of the Bill as worthy of further consideration. It does not, however, signify final approval of the legislation. The Bill will now move into the next phase of the legislative process, where it will be subjected to detailed scrutiny, stakeholder engagement and public participation.
Supporters of the Bill proposed that the process ahead will provide sufficient space to address concerns about economic impacts while ensuring that South Africa continues to pursue greater equity in access to one of its most critical natural resources.
Malatswa Molepo
2 June 2026
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