Given upcoming commemorations of Water Week – which takes place between March 20 and 26 – water and sanitation organisation the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) points to the water sector’s being at a critical juncture, owing to challenges relating to climate change, urbanisation and economic development.

“The need for a stable and effective water governance system has never been more pressing,” states the organisation, which has been “at the forefront of advocating for stability in governance as a prerequisite for water security”.

AWSISA observed – with “great appreciation” – the efforts of the Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina to stabilise the sector, stressing that she has correctly identified the core challenge: municipalities.

AWSISA urged the Minister to continue her good work of stabilising governance in the sector.

The organisation avers that stable governance is essential for ensuring water security, as the success of bulk water provision is premised on capable and credible accounting authorities, specifically boards of directors.

To ensure continuity and consistency during policy implementation, the solidity of these boards is crucial, as this, ultimately, contributes to water security, Further, the consequences of insufficient or deficient governance are well-documented.

A case in point, the collapse of entities such as State-owned electricity utility Eskom, the national airliner South African Airways and State-owned passenger rail services provider the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa can be attributed, in part, to governance challenges.

These entities have faced significant difficulties in delivering on their mandates, owing to unstable and inefficient governance structures, as opposed to other entities that have been able to contribute to the country’s development.

AWSISA cites South African financial market conduct regulator the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, as an example of the latter, noting that it has “played a crucial role in maintaining stability in the financial sector”. Similarly, the stability of the South African Reserve Bank has been a cornerstone of the country’s relative economic stability.

“The Reserve Bank’s independence and stability have enabled it to make decisions that are in the best interests of the economy, without fear of political interference,” AWSISA avers.

Given the realities and examples provided by other industries, such as rail and electricity, AWSISA believes that stable and accountable boards in the water sector are essential

The association urges the Department of Water and Sanitation and Majodina to continue to stabilise entities in the sector and commits to implementing measures to do its part by promoting stability, transparency and accountability, developing effective governance frameworks and providing training and development opportunities for water stakeholders.

AWSISA asserts that by supporting its initiatives, the Minister will benefit from stable boards that have embedded ethical leadership and good governance as core values, and which are able to provide effective strategic leadership to contribute to high water availability and security.

Education Woes

last month, AWSISA urged the Eastern Cape Department of Education to adhere or uptake to sanitation Guidelines Published by the Water Research Commission (WRC), noting “with concern” the Human Rights Commission’s findings regarding the construction of non-compliant sanitation facilities by the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

“According to the commission, these facilities fail to meet the guidelines and recommendations outlined in the New School Sanitation Management Handbook for South African Schools, developed by the WRC in December 2017.”

AWSISA states that the New School Sanitation Management Handbook provides “comprehensive and practical guidelines” to ensure the delivery of safe, hygienic and dignified sanitation for learners across the country.

“It is a document rooted in research and aligned with South Africa’s constitutional commitment to fundamental human rights, including access to adequate sanitation. Non-compliance with these guidelines not only undermines the dignity of learners but also poses significant health and safety risks, particularly in vulnerable communities.”

The organisation added that the Eastern Cape government’s denial of the commission’s findings was “deeply concerning”, adding that the handbook is not “a mere suggestion” but a vital tool for ensuring that all South African learners have access to adequate sanitation facilities, which is a prerequisite for creating safe and conducive learning environments.