The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have progressed in the development of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (WSACF) - a strategic intervention aimed at developing tailored solutions to address corruption risks in the water sector.

Since its inaugural meeting in May 2025, the WSACF has made significant progress, but a long road remains to eradicate long-entrenched corruption and fraud in what is arguably South Africa’s most vulnerable sector.

Water-scarce South Africa already faced structural constraints, such as limited rainfall, climate variability, ageing infrastructure and rising demand, said Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina during the official launch of the forum in Pretoria on Thursday.

“Every rand lost to corruption is a rand not spent on repairing leaks, upgrading treatment works or expanding supply to underserved communities.”

A high-level corruption risk assessment, undertaken by the SIU to identify and prioritise vulnerable sectors, confirmed that the water sector was among the most vulnerable and exposed to fraud and corruption risks, and required urgent and coordinated interventions, said SIU acting head and WSACF chairperson Leonard Lekgetho.

In line with this, Majodina said South Africa had demonstrated a firm and measurable commitment to confront corruption across all sectors of our society.

Through strengthened investigative capacity, improved consequence management and closer coordination among law enforcement agencies, billions of rand have been recovered for the State.

“Senior officials and private actors alike have been subjected to investigation and prosecution. Institutions have been reformed, oversight mechanisms enhanced and accountability systems tightened. The message is unmistakable: Impunity is being dismantled.”

The establishment of specialised anti-corruption structures, lifestyle audits, digital procurement reforms and strengthened internal controls reflected a State that was “learning, correcting and strengthening” its anti-corruption measures.

“We are not waiting for crisis to overwhelm us. We are acting decisively to prevent, detect and enforce the law. These actions should give South Africans confidence that government is not retreating from the fight. We are intensifying it.”

Corruption in the water sector manifests in many forms such as inflated contracts and collusive tendering; manipulation of supply chains; diversion of maintenance funds; criminal syndicates that extort contractors and disrupt construction sites and illegal connections that weaken municipal finances.

“Each of these acts has real consequences. When a dam project is stalled, communities wait longer. When refurbishment funds are stolen, wastewater plants fail. When procurement is compromised, infrastructure deteriorates and costs escalate,” she said.

This is in line with the trends uncovered by the SIU’s assessment, which also indicates the challenges of inflated contracts; irregular appointments; payments for work never performed; fraudulent claims and overpricing; and procurement rules being ignored or manipulated.

“These are deliberate acts that cost the nation dearly,” said Lekgetho, pointing out, however, that that much progress had already been made, despite these challenges.

The SIU has investigated corruption in the water sector under 16 proclamations, completing nine investigations, with seven ongoing.

“We have recovered R569-million in cash and assets; prevented R717-million in potential losses; set aside contracts worth R1.1-billion; referred 270 matters for prosecution; and initiated civil litigation worth R6.2-billion.”

Citing specific examples, he said that a R950-million contract agreement with the DWS for SAP software was found to be irregular and invalid. The Special Tribunal ordered SAP to repay the R413.12-million paid to it by the DWS.

Further, citing a contract between the DWS and EOH Mthombo, he said that EOH accepted liability, without prejudice, for R178.38-million as settlement over irregular contracts. The settlement included a lump sum and 36 monthly instalments, and to date, just under R149.85-million had been received, with about R30-million outstanding.

He also pointed to the Alfred Nzo district municipality, in the Eastern Cape, where nine individuals and two business entities were arrested and appeared in court in connection with a R70-million irregular yellow fleet procurement contract between Kwane Capital and the municipality.

The fight against corruption is gaining momentum across vulnerable high-risk sectors, with the WSACF building on the success of other sector-specific anti-corruption forums, including the health sector; infrastructure and built environment; local government; and border management and immigration anti-corruption forums.

“Our investigations highlight the need for systemic reforms, such as a formal supplier database with strict compliance checks; mandatory conflict-of-interest declarations; stronger oversight of tender committees; regular communication of anti-corruption laws; and a ban on entities linked to officials doing business with the government,” said Lekgetho.

The SIU has developed the National Corruption Risk and Prevention Framework, now at an advanced stage following consultations with provinces, government clusters, departments, and Chapter 9 institutions. The framework, once approved, will assist the SIU in to implement prevention initiatives.

Key elements of the framework include risk assessments and data analytics; vetting and screening of employees and suppliers; lifestyle audits; education and awareness campaigns; conflict-of-interest management; and the use of technology, including AI.

Traditionally, anti-corruption efforts have been reactive, relying on whistleblowing and audits. Prevention is equally vital, he continued.

The focus is now shifting to corruption prevention, but consequence management emanating from investigations remains an important pillar in fighting corruption.

These various measures will close loopholes and prevent corruption before it begins.

Through this forum, a clear message is sent: corruption will not be tolerated and those who undermine the integrity of the country’s water systems will face the full might of the law.

The WSACF also embodies the whole-of-society approach in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, bringing together law enforcement, regulators, civil society, activists, traditional leaders, organised labour and the private sector.

“Together, we will strengthen accountability, close systemic gaps and deliver measurable outcomes. This forum supports the National Development Plan 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal Six, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

“A multi-stakeholder collaboration in the fight against corruption has proven to be effective; this has been demonstrated by several anti-corruption forums that have been established in vulnerable sectors,” he said.

“The objectives of this forum are practical and measurable. We will raise awareness and build sustained support for corruption prevention initiatives. We will foster collaboration among stakeholders so that our response is coordinated and not fragmented.

“We will enhance investigative capacity through closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies. We will ensure effective consequence management, including asset recovery, prosecutions and disciplinary action. And we will implement prevention measures that mitigate fraud and corruption risks before they materialise,” Majodina added.

There would be zero tolerance for corruption in the water sector, she warned.

“We are under no illusion that the task ahead will be easy. Entrenched interests will resist reform. Criminal networks will not give up without a fight. They will attempt to intimidate and disrupt. But South Africa has shown before that when institutions act with courage and when society stands united, corruption can be confronted and defeated.

“The launch of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum signals a new era of vigilance, coordination and shared responsibility. It signals that we will protect our water resources with the same determination with which we protect our democracy,” she concluded.