Parliament, Wednesday, 15 July 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation invites members of the public, stakeholders and interested organisations to participate in the legislative process on the Water Services Amendment Bill (B24-2025).
The committee will commence public hearings on the Bill in August, beginning in Mpumalanga, followed by North West and Limpopo.
In line with Section 59 of the Constitution, Parliament is committed to facilitating meaningful public participation in its legislative processes. Ahead of the hearings, Parliament will conduct a series of educational programmes on the Bill to empower communities with the necessary information to make informed and meaningful submissions. These awareness sessions will be followed by an extensive public participation programme aimed at gathering views on the proposed amendments to the Water Services Act.
The Bill seeks to address persistent challenges facing South Africa’s water sector, including unreliable water and sanitation services, inadequate management of water infrastructure, declining water quality, gaps in accountability and weak enforcement mechanisms.
Committee Chairperson Mr Leon Basson emphasised the importance of public involvement in shaping legislation that responds to South Africa’s needs. “The country’s water value chain has experienced various challenges. This Bill proposes measures that are intended to remedy these shortcomings, and it is important that people participate in crafting and strengthening the legislation,” said Mr Basson.
Among the key proposals contained in the Bill are:
- The introduction of a mandatory licencing system for all water service providers, with a 12-month compliance period following the finalisation of regulations.
- The establishment of minimum competency standards to promote professionalism and prevent the neglect of water infrastructure.
- A clearer separation of responsibilities between Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers to strengthen accountability.
- The introduction of stricter penalties for non-compliance and the operation of unlicenced water service providers.
- Enhanced enforcement powers for the Minister to intervene where persistent service delivery failures occur.
Mr Basson reiterated that meaningful public participation remains a cornerstone of democratic lawmaking. “Public participation is not merely a tick-box exercise. It is a constitutional imperative that ensures legislation is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. This process must be as inclusive, accessible and far-reaching as possible.”
The committee encourages all South Africans to participate in the upcoming public hearings and educational programmes to help shape legislation that will strengthen the delivery, regulation and sustainability of water and sanitation services for present and future generations.
MPUMALANGA HEARINGS
DATE | DISTRICT/LOCAL MUNICIPALITY | VENUE/TIME |
Friday, 14 August | Ehlanzeni District Municipality | Granskop Town Hall |
Saturday, 15 August | Nkangala District Municipality | Sinqobile Community Hall |
Sunday, 16 August | Gert Sibande District Municipality | Gert Sibande Council Chamber, Ermelo |
NORTH WEST
DATE | DISTRICT/LOCAL MUNICIPALITY | VENUE/TIME |
Friday, 21 August | Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District | Depot Hall, Taung |
Saturday, 22 August | Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality | Mahikeng Civil Centre |
Sunday, 23 August | Dr Kenneth Kaunda District | Auditorium Hall, Klerksdorp Civic Centre |
LIMPOPO
DATE | DISTRICT/LOCAL MUNICIPALITY | VENUE/TIME |
Friday, 28 August | Mopani District Municipality | Tzaneen @10:00 |
Saturday, 29 August | Capricorn District Municipality | Polokwane @10:00 |
Sunday, 30 August | Waterberg District Municipality | Bela-Bela @10:00 |
Some of the venues will be confirmed closer to the time.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WATER AND SANITATION, MR LEON BASSON
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour