Parliament, Thursday, 5 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has raised concerns that although water use transformation is widely recognised as a critical driver of socio-economic development, its implementation remains largely aspirational. The committee has called on the Department of Water and Sanitation to urgently strengthen its initiatives to fully unlock the country’s socio-economic potential through water access.
The committee engaged with the Minister of Water and Sanitation and senior departmental management on the state of water use transformation in South Africa. Committee Chairperson Mr Leon Basson acknowledged progress made in reforming the water use regime but stressed that more decisive action is required.
“While we acknowledge the positive reforms in transforming the water use regime, we believe more can be done to move the needle and ensure access to water for socio-economic development. This cannot remain aspirational in perpetuity,” Mr Basson said.
While noting improvements in the turnaround time for processing water use licence applications, from 300 days in 2020 to the current target of 90 days, the committee expressed concern that only 80% of applications are currently finalised within that timeframe. Mr Basson said that while the improvement, supported by the Operation Vulindlela intervention, is commendable, the processing of all applications within 90 days should become the standard.
The committee emphasised that timely processing of water use licences is critical to enabling businesses to commence operations and participate meaningfully in the economy.
The committee also urged the department to urgently conclude its assessment of the viability of seed funding mechanisms for Water User Associations (WUAs). The department indicated that inadequate funding for establishing WUAs has limited financial support for emerging farmers. WUAs play a key role in managing local water resources and infrastructure, ensuring efficient water distribution, collecting fees and resolving disputes. The committee noted that finalising the assessment could unlock improved water resource management and enhance socio-economic impact.
In addition, the committee stressed the need for a coordinated interdepartmental approach to support inclusive land reform targets. It raised concern that skewed access to land continues to undermine the uptake of water allocated for historically disadvantaged individuals.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation cannot address this challenge alone. It requires coordination with other sector departments to ensure targets are met. A silo mentality cannot remain the norm,” Mr Basson said.
The committee further called on the department to strengthen stakeholder engagement to ensure prospective applicants receive adequate information to navigate the water use licensing process. Concerns were raised that some historically disadvantaged individuals struggle to submit complete applications due to limited access to information. The committee believes improved engagement would enable applicants to submit more substantive and compliant applications.
For its part, the committee committed to the inclusive and timely consideration of amendments to the Water Act, which include provisions aimed at strengthening transformative interventions. The committee also informed the department that it will seek regular updates on progress made in addressing constraints within the water use licensing system.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WATER AND SANITATION, MR LEON BASSON
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E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
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