PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
Reshaping
INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE
Predicting
SMART METERS
Beyond
WASTEWATER TO NEW WATER
Drakensberg South Africa
WATER
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5
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
We delve into how public-private partnerships are reshaping South Africa’s water sector.
10
INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE
The hidden impact of water losses and the preventative maintenance strategies that aim to mitigate the losses.
16
SMART TECHNOLOGY
The deployment of smart meters has far-reaching socioeconomic bene ts that go beyond just accurate billing.
22
TURNING WASTEWATER INTO NEW WATER
From sewage to sustainability: a case study in wastewater reuse. 23 WATER
EFFICIENCY
The layperson’s guide to water security and what it costs.
Public-private collaboration is crucial to solving water and other regional linear and utility infrastructure challenges.
THE WATER CRISIS
Think big, act fast, but start small.
COPYRIGHT: Picasso Headline.
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. WATER is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/ advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.
CLIMATE VARIABILITY
A focus on infrastructure designed to withstand climate variability, including dams, reservoirs and ood management systems, and the importance of long-term planning.
FINDING WAYS TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES
Professor CHRIS CURTIS from the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, says universities are uniquely placed to solve some of the country’s water challenges
South Africa’s water challenges are about more than just a scarcity of supply. Many factors, from failing infrastructure, poor service delivery, lack of maintenance, contamination, pollution and illegal water usage, contribute to the crisis. Finding solutions requires looking at the whole (big) picture, this is where universities can play a vital role.
Looking at human activities within a river basin, whether mining, urbanisation, agriculture, air pollution or acid rain, one can break them down into small units and look at the catchment scale to try to nd solutions.
LEGACY POLLUTION
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major problem in South Africa, especially in provinces such as Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Referred to as a legacy problem or legacy pollution, many of the problems result from gold mining activities undertaken up to 100 years ago.
Zama Zamas (illegal miners) further contribute to the problem by trying to process waste from the mine dumps near Krugersdorp and Benoni.
Communities downstream of the AMD decant points often suffer the worst consequences as AMD comes to the surface and ows into rivers. That water is sometimes used for irrigating their vegetable patches and, in some cases, even for domestic use, resulting in a range of impacts.
DYSFUNCTIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
In its Green Drop Report, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says many of our wastewater treatment plants are dysfunctional. As many as two-thirds of
the country’s wastewater treatment plants are “barely performing at all” and in a “critical state”.
Historically, if treatment plants, such as the Northern Farm Treatment Works, encounter problems, they discharge raw sewage into the river network, in this case, within the catchment of the Crocodile River, which ends up in the Hartbeespoort Dam. This creates many dif cult-to- x problems, but a starting point would be ensuring wastewater treatment works are functional to prevent pollutants from entering the environment in the rst place.
In response to a recent question in parliament, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, said: “DWS conducts compliance and enforcement activities in the catchment area focusing on some of the largest users authorised for discharge as well as unlawful activities such as chrome washing operations.
ENTER CITIZENS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
However, citizen science should play a crucial role in lling the gaps in the monitoring of river networks, dams or wetlands.
Citizens can take a stand and contribute to monitoring using what are referred to as the citizen science tools as was recently
RECENTLY, MUCH RESEARCH ON LOW-COST PRODUCTS THAT REMOVE OLD AND NEW POLLUTANTS, SUCH AS AMD, OR PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS, INCLUDING “FOREVER CHEMICALS”, HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN.
demonstrated to communities in Soweto by students at the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies. Being a trained scientist is not necessary for biological monitoring – looking at bugs in the water to nd out more about the river health.
Biological monitoring serves as an early warning system, enabling the public to tell if a river is unhealthy without conducting formal water testing –the relevant authorities can then be informed to take action.
The study of lake sediments (palaeolimnology) is an alternative way university research can contribute to ll historic gaps in monitoring. Persistent organic pollutants, such as pesticides, can persist at the bottom of lakes and dams for centuries and, where there is no monitoring data, it can be dif cult to ascertain if concentrations have increased or changed over time.
Recently, much research on low-cost products that remove old and new pollutants, such as AMD, or persistent organic pollutants, including “forever chemicals”, has been undertaken.
Small volumes of water can be tested and treated in laboratories to remove the contaminants, but whether or not that can be applied to the scale of the problems in South Africa and Gauteng remains a billion-dollar question. However, ensuring functional wastewater treatment plants and monitoring water quality should be the immediate main focus.
Professor Curtis explaining the principles of biomonitoring
URGENT ACTION NEEDED
The SOUTHERN AFRICAN PLASTIC PIPE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
says maintenance of and upgrades to water infrastructure is vital
As South Africa marks National Water Week (20–26 March 2025) and World Water Day (22 March 2025), citizens are urged to conserve water and support initiatives to secure the country’s most precious resource. This year’s theme focuses on public education about water conservation while highlighting the urgent need for investment in high-quality water infrastructure to address growing supply challenges.
Years of underinvestment in municipal infrastructure, and theft, vandalism and load shedding, have exacerbated the crisis. Municipal water losses are alarmingly high and urgent maintenance and upgrades are essential.
THE ROLE OF HIGH-QUALITY PIPES
Jan Venter, CEO of the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA), stresses the importance of using high-quality pipes that meet international standards to ensure water security. “Investment in durable, high-quality water infrastructure is crucial. Municipalities must specify pipes bearing the SAPPMA logo to guarantee quality and prevent premature failures leading to further losses,” he says.
SAPPMA’s Operation Superior Quality ensures compliance through unannounced audits and strict quality checks on pipes used in South Africa’s water infrastructure projects.
PARTNERING FOR WATER SECURITY
The Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and Gauteng municipalities are collaborating to address water supply challenges. In June 2024, the Platform for a Water Secure Gauteng was established to unite public and private sector stakeholders in tackling the crisis.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans for professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities to sustain investment and maintenance of water and electricity infrastructure. The government is also engaging nancial institutions to unlock R100-billion in infrastructure nancing and revising public-private partnership regulations to attract private sector investment.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Over the next three years, the government has pledged over R940-billion for infrastructure development – R375-billion allocated to state-owned enterprises. The Infrastructure Fund has approved 12 blended nance projects worth nearly R38-billion.
“We hope these commitments translate into real action. South Africa urgently needs meaningful investment in water infrastructure and the political will to execute these projects,” says Venter.
Individuals and businesses must also take responsibility for water conservation. Fixing leaks, reducing consumption and using water-ef cient technologies are essential steps.
Through strategic investment, better municipal management and responsible water usage, the country can safeguard its water future.
RESHAPING OUR WATER RESOURCE SYSTEM
Collaboration between the public and private sector is critical to address the country’s water-shortage challenges and improve supply.
By ITUMELENG MOGAKI
South Africa’s water crisis presents a far-reaching challenge, impacting human survival, food security, industrial processes and environmental health. As the country grapples with ageing infrastructure, a lack of skilled personnel and increasing pollution, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are vital to address these critical issues.
A MULTIFACETED THREAT
Burt Rodrigues, Biodx CEO, says the water crisis poses even greater risks than the energy crisis because water is irreplaceable. “While electricity can be supplemented with alternative power sources, water shortages directly impact human health, agriculture and industrial operations.” He says the average person needs about 300 litres of water daily for drinking, cooking, hygiene and sanitation with a required minimum of 4 litres per day for survival.
“Yet, South Africa’s outdated pipelines and dysfunctional ltration systems are struggling to meet these demands. Industrial and agricultural activities, critical to the economy, exacerbate the strain on water resources while untreated ef uents and industrial waste discharge further contaminate the supply,” he says.
Rodrigues explains further: “Critical components such as pipelines and pumps are in disrepair while mismanagement and frequent changes in service providers lead to inef ciencies and service paralysis. This results in untreated ef uent contaminating potable water sources, further reducing the availability of clean water.
“The crisis extends to energy production as South Africa’s coal- red power stations depend on large volumes of water for cooling towers, boilers and turbines. Without water, electricity generation would grind to a halt,” he adds.
Dean Muruven, associate director at Boston Consulting Group and an expert in integrated water resource management, explains how collaboration between the public and private sectors can accelerate progress. “The success of PPPs lies in robust governance and regulatory frameworks,” he says.
“Examples such as the Mbombela and iLembe concessions showcase sustained long-term performance of PPPs in South Africa.
“These initiatives demonstrate the importance of municipal capacity as large metros are often better equipped to facilitate such collaborations.”
CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME
Despite the potential of PPPs, challenges remain. Rodrigues highlights the public sector’s inaction in addressing manageable infrastructure repairs. “Frequent changes in service providers and poor oversight exacerbate the situation, leaving rural areas vulnerable. These communities often rely on untreated water sources, creating a vicious cycle of poverty, illness and environmental damage.”
Muruven says: “Water management must prioritise interconnected freshwater environments and natural ecosystems. Integrating these elements into development strategies ensures long-term sustainability and reduces the risk of water-related hazards.”
INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Rodrigues shares an example of a collaboration between a mining company and the public sector to illustrate the effectiveness of PPP business models. “Polokwane city’s sewer
“THE SUCCESS OF PPPS LIES IN ROBUST GOVERNANCE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS.”
– DEAN MURUVEN
ef uent infrastructure was signi cantly improved when Anglo invested in new infrastructure to treat raw sewage, and in return received approximately 20 megalitres of treated ef uent water for its mining operations approximately 80km away.”
Muruven notes how technology can be a cornerstone of long-term solutions, saying advanced tools can improve every aspect of water management, from collection and distribution to recycling and hazard protection. “The South African Water Research Commission (WRC) has developed innovative sanitation technologies that can be deployed nationwide. Scaling these solutions requires an accelerated innovation cycle and a supportive implementation environment.”
He adds: “As climate change intensi es droughts and oods, arti cial intelligence can help governments model adaptation and resilience measures. This approach supports strategic infrastructure planning, equitable pricing and better water allocation.”
A PATH FORWARD
According to these two experts, PPPs offer a proven model for overcoming the entrenched challenges in South Africa’s water sector. With a focus on governance, innovation and inclusivity, these collaborations can reshape water resource management and provide a blueprint for addressing other critical issues in the country.
Even though the stakes seem a bit high, with collective effort, a water-resilient South Africa is possible and within reach.
Follow: Dean Muruven www.linkedin.com/in/dean-muruven-b8154b64 Burt Rodrigues www.linkedin.com/in/burt-rodrigues
Dean Muruven
Burt Rodrigues
PROVIDING TURNKEY SOLUTIONS FOR THE WATER AND WASTEWATER SECTOR
Ecochem Pumps specialises in providing turnkey dosing and mixing, chlorination and pumping solutions to water and wastewater industries. Its on-site and technical facilities enable it to provide services countrywide.
By KEVIN LERWICK , general manager at Ecochem Pumps
Founded 22 years ago as a dosing company representing Milton Roy dosing pumps, Ecochem Pumps provided robust applications for the petrochemical and mining industry for many years, even specialising in explosion-proof applications. It remains one of a few local companies representing an international brand in South Africa and parts of Africa.
In 2016, Ecochem Pumps embarked on a bold growth strategy to diversify and offer a full turnkey solution to the water and wastewater
industries. In 2018, it acquired the Control Matik distribution, which it continues to represent. Represented in over 40 countries around the world, Control Matik’s chlorine gas equipment is used in the disinfection of water and wastewater and ranks among the top three similar products worldwide. Its product range is robust, and with constant research and development, remains relevant to an ever-changing market. Ecochem Pumps has further acquired the trademark for the Envir-O-Cell™ on-site sodium hypochlorite generation brand
IN 2016, ECOCHEM PUMPS EMBARKED ON A BOLD GROWTH STRATEGY
and is proud to include this in its product offerings.
Envir-O-Cell uses salt and electrolysis to produce a safe concentration of sodium hypochlorite for use in water and wastewater environments, school swimming pools and municipal applications. Acquiring the Envir-O-Cell technology allows Ecochem Pumps to offer an alternative approach to disinfection that mitigates health and safety considerations associated with traditional disinfection products by using nonhazardous raw materials and producing an on-demand disinfection product that is safe to handle.
The technology is manufactured and supported locally and requires no MHI assessment or certi cation
Milton Roy industrial pump installation
for site installation while its robust design accounts for the challenges of local conditions. The principle and modular nature of Enivr-O-Cell allows for quick and ef cient installation and user-friendly, safe operation.
The equipment is retro tted by Echochem Pumps for use in many water treatment works where the population has developed closer to water treatment plants and traditional disinfection methods are no longer considered safe.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Ecochem Pumps, which holds an 8ME rating with the CIDB, is proud to offer various industries a full turnkey solution base, having developed the business to accommodate its clients’ needs and grow the company’s footprint.
ACQUIRING THE ENVIR-O-CELL TECHNOLOGY
ALLOWS ECOCHEMTM PUMPS TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO DISINFECTION THAT MITIGATES HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TRADITIONAL DISINFECTION PRODUCTS.
It offers project consulting services from inception to design, fabrication, installation, implementation and operation. Pipework, vessel, either chemical holding or mixing, and auxiliary items, such as pipe supports, plinths and base plates, among others, are fabricated at its facilities, enabling Echochem Pumps to construct new plants or complete entire refurbishment projects for its clients.
The company has recently embarked on an exciting journey with KSB Pumps and Valves as a strategic agent to uplift services, including sales and repairs of the KSB range. This and other strategic relationships have strengthened Ecochem Pumps’ offerings.
The KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng workshops are equipped to offer clients a full maintenance centre for repairs to pumps and gearboxes and for the manufacture of chlorine systems, dosing skids, containerised mobile plants and chemical storage tanks. Ecochem Pumps’ Gauteng of ce also offers a SANAS-accredited pressure test bay for various applications.
Chemical injection system
Sulphuric acid storage vessel under fabrication
Completed sulphuric acid storage vessel KSB pumps ready for installation
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Ecochem Pumps, which holds a 6EP rating with the CIDB, continues to grow its electrical division. Its current offerings include the design, building and installation of direct online panels to complete motor control centres. The team’s intellectual property further allows it to offer explosion-proo ng solutions for mining applications that match its dosing offerings.
A current development is the establishment of an in-house panel building division, which will enable the company to build panels that meet IP rating criteria, allowing it to become a “one-stop-shop” for the market. Its testing facilities allow the company to test LV motors in-house and, with its strategic partners, Ecochem Pumps can now offer motor rewinds and emergency overnight repairs as requested.
Its control and instrumentation offering further places Ecochem Pumps at the forefront of turnkey solution offerings, from design to implementation.
CHEMICAL DOSING AND DISINFECTION
Ecochem Pumps designs, fabricates, installs and commissions chemical dosing systems for a cross-section of chemicals and end-user clients. Due consideration is given to the unique conditions of each application to ensure the solution provided is technically appropriate while accounting for the client-speci ed requirements.
Projects in this area range from repairs, refurbishment and new installations to some unique projects associated with chlorine dosing systems and facilities.
The company designed, fabricated, tested and delivered a containerised chlorine gas dosing solution for a client, who then exported it to an end user. Close collaboration between Ecochem Pumps, the local client and the end user was critical to ensure all technical deliverables were met.
Another project involved the refurbishment of a chlorine gas dosing system for a local client, allowing the resumption of effective disinfection to meet the required discharge speci cations –Ecochem Pumps ensured best practices were applied along with enhanced safety measures.
DUE CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO THE UNIQUE CONDITIONS OF EACH APPLICATION TO ENSURE THE SOLUTION PROVIDED IS TECHNICALLY APPROPRIATE WHILE ACCOUNTING FOR THE CLIENT-SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS.
In addition to undertaking and completing repairs on chlorine gas systems, Ecochem Pumps has the capacity to repair and refurbish components on larger systems where liquid chlorine is extracted, evaporated and dosed to potable water systems. Recently, a chlorine evaporator was refurbished as part of a service conducted on a large chlorine system at a local waterworks. Ecochem Pumps aims to provide the best service and price structure to the industry. Operating under the principles of applied honesty, integrity and total commitment Ecochem Pumps delivers outstanding quality workmanship and innovative solutions.
MCC
E-Stops/Isolators
Chlorine gas motive water pumps
Containerised chlorine gas system
Chlorine gas dosing system prior to refubishment.
Chlorine gas dosing system after refubishment.
THE KWAZULU-NATAL AND GAUTENG WORKSHOPS ARE EQUIPPED TO OFFER CLIENTS A FULL MAINTENANCE CENTRE FOR REPAIRS TO PUMPS AND GEARBOXES AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CHLORINE SYSTEMS, DOSING SKIDS, CONTAINERISED MOBILE PLANTS AND CHEMICAL STORAGE TANKS.
VISIT WEBSITE
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO THE ECOCHEM PUMPS WEBSITE
For more information:
Gauteng branch
Tel: 011 455 5710 ecoinfo@ecochempumps.co.za
KwaZulu-Natal branch Tel: 031 101 3045 ecoinfo@ecochempumps.co.za
www.ecochempumps.co.za www.facebook.com/Ecochempumps www.linkedin.com/company/ecochem-pumps-sa
A chlorine evaporator before refurbishment.
Chlorine liquid system
Envir-O-Cell panels
Chemical dosing pumps
Chlorine evaporator post-refurbishment by Ecochem Pumps.
Chemical dosing pumps
Chemical dosing bench installation
PREDICTING AND PREVENTING WATER LOSs
New technologies coupled with smart digital solutions offer the opportunity to adopt a more proactive approach to water infrastructure maintenance, but a raft of challenges need to be overcome along the way.
By ANTHONY SHARPE
Cape Town may never have reached its much-feared Day Zero, but recent events in Gauteng have thrown a very un attering spotlight on the state of South Africa’s water infrastructure, which is crumbling across several municipalities due to poor metering, maintenance and water loss management.
The problem isn’t con ned to Gauteng. According to the Water Research Commission (WRC), the recent No Drop reports highlighted that more than 40 per cent of the nation’s municipal water supply – around 1.58 billion cubic metres – is lost before it gets to customers. As South Africa is already a water-scarce country, it’s clear that a radical and major shift in water infrastructure management is required.
TOWARDS A MORE PROACTIVE APPROACh
Jay Bhagwan, executive manager of water use and waste management at the WRC, says the advent of arti cial intelligence and advanced sensors has provided an opportunity not just to gather more data about the stresses on water infrastructure, but also use it more intelligently. “Water infrastructure spans thousands of kilometres and you can’t have people on the ground everywhere. By modelling the data through smart algorithms and software, you can identify maintenance hotspots and prioritise those so preventive maintenance becomes more proactive.”
It’s unlikely that anyone can develop a preventive maintenance plan across their network from day one, however, says Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager at Xylem Inc.
“From a strategic perspective, a utility or anyone managing their water systems needs to identify their objective, which may mean narrowing down to speci c parts of the network and using those to guide how you build out your data capabilities. This way you can tackle your rst priority, then the next one, and gradually build towards a complete preventive maintenance plan.”
CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP
Preventive maintenance has long been standard operating procedure in the water environment, says Bhagwan. However, one of the major factors contributing to the decline in maintenance is the pace of infrastructural expansion. “Institutionally, it’s a capacity and operational issue, as well as poor governance and decision-making. Because now we’re sitting with a nearly two-fold increase in infrastructure and the same maintenance capacity we had twenty years ago.”
DRAINING RESOURCES
Lost water incurs costs that echo across society, business and the economy. From an economic standpoint, unaccounted-for water is estimated to result in revenue losses of more than R16-billion per year, says Jay Bhagwan of the Water Research Commission. Chetan Mistry of Xylem Inc says many reports estimate that South Africa is 10 years behind where it needs to be. And, the longer water-related problems continue, the harder it will be to manage public expectations. “From a commercial perspective, water is also a critical input for business and industry. AcelorMittal South Africa is closing its operations because of freight and energy issues and we’re going to see the same thing because of water. All sectors of society will be impacted by this.”
Bhagwan says he is encouraged by government’s recent policy decision to implement compulsory smart metering for electricity and water, but that unfortunately many municipalities are institutionally still stuck in the past. “As soon as you put in a smart meter, you need more competencies with an information technology or arti cial intelligence specialisation that can unlock the added value of that technology.”
Bhagwan says skills transfer is also a fundamental challenge. “With people retiring and transformation happening, we have a low competency base trying to deal with these problems. Moreover, globally, these institutions were built on strong mechanical and civil engineering competencies, but as the sector evolves, the skills required to understand these systems change.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Mistry. “Anyone managing water resources, from government to mining companies, for example, must rethink how they manage those resources. Preventive maintenance will become more important, so you need more internet of things solutions, which require fewer technicians on the ground and more software engineers. There’s no use putting in sensors and smart devices unless you have people who can leverage the data these yield.”
Mistry says the Department of Water and Sanitation is running graduate programmes to help teach these skills, but what is lacking is a co-ordinated effort to ensure there is a clear developmental path for people who enter the eld.
“BY MODELLING THE DATA THROUGH SMART ALGORITHMS AND SOFTWARE, YOU CAN IDENTIFY MAINTENANCE HOTSPOTS AND PRIORITISE THOSE SO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE BECOMES MORE PROACTIVE.” – JAY BHAGWAN
Follow: Jay Bhagwan www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bhagwan-11555215 Chetan Mistry www.linkedin.com/in/chetanmistry1
Jay Bhagwan
Chetan Mistry
With an over 35-year track record in industry across Africa and beyond, Talbot has it all: from in-house water analytics software as a service to water risk and water security strategy development. From designing solutions and constructing plants to optimisation, maintenance, after-sales support and our in-house environmental laboratory, we can bring it all together to provide our clients with the most progressive thinking and the best advice to suit their speci c needs.
WHAT DRIVES YOU AND YOUR TEAM?
We believe that water has, until recently, been one of the most undervalued resources in the world. We have a passion for understanding our clients’ water requirements in the context of the “catchment” where they are and helping them to become more sustainable in relation to water and therefore as a business. Water can no longer be taken for granted – it has become a signi cant cost with a direct impact on business sustainability.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO SUPPORTING CLIENTS?
Getting an in-depth understanding of their process and their behaviour at each of their sites is imperative. This may require spending time with executive and operational teams within the client’s organisation. Too often we see generic requests for quotations being issued for advice, solutions or support that are
not appropriate for the client’s speci c needs. It’s only by spending time understanding the process and the variances within the process that a tight score and associated requirements can be developed.
WHAT SETS TALBOT APART?
Our strength lies in the diversity of our people and our organisation, complemented by extensive knowledge and hands-on experience. We take a collaborative approach to meeting our clients’ needs with access to global experts through our network of world-class partners. This enhances the credibility of our teams across various sectors. Above all, our ultimate goal is to deliver the best outcome for our clients and promote sustainable water practices.
WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF WATER IN THE REGION?
We know that insuf cient focus has been placed on water infrastructure in the region for decades now. We are already seeing supply being outstripped by demand, exacerbated by poor infrastructure maintenance and operational challenges. The only way this will be recti ed is by spending large sums of money on water-related infrastructure,
INDUSTRY MUST DEVELOP SITE-SPECIFIC WATER STRATEGIES THAT LOOK TO ISOLATE THEIR SITES FROM THE GRID AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
centralised or decentralised. This means we are going to be paying a lot more for water and we will see more and more disruption (unplanned water outages) and more water shifting. This will impact big industry and big water users both from a direct and an indirect cost perspective, such as lost production. There are, however, opportunities if you look for them.
HOW DOES INDUSTRY ADDRESS THE FUTURE WATER OUTLOOK?
Industry must develop site-speci c water strategies that look to isolate their sites from the grid as much as possible. Unlike electricity, the challenge with water is far more dif cult to solve – there is no alternate source. However, you may be able to install buffer capacity, optimise your water use, reduce your offtake and look to recover as much of the water on site as possible. Financially, water recovery is now viable and numerous funding sources are available.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CONCERN FOR INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA?
De-industrialisation of South Africa due to the various challenges we face. Water is going to add to this problem unless we act quickly and are innovative. Also, we have a belief, in South Africa (and Africa at large), that we don’t have the knowledge and skills within the country to solve our water problems. We do! We don’t always need international businesses to provide the best advice. We have more experience dealing with water scarcity and disruption than many other parts of the world.
For more information: +27 (0) 33 346 1444 talbot@talbot.co.za https://talbot.co.za
Talbot’s CEO, CARL HAYCOCK , shares some perspectives on water in South Africa
Carl Haycock
SMART METERING
Most South Africans are still trying to recover from Eskom’s Token Identifier Rollover Programme for prepaid electricity meters – and new smart meters for water and electricity should help banish similar challenges in future, writes TREVOR CRIGHTON
The RT29-2024 transversal contract, awarded by National Treasury last year, is a contract con rming the appointment of seven service providers to convert millions of prepaid water and electricity meters in South African households to smart metering solutions. The aim of the contract is to audit and convert existing prepaid meters in the hope of minimising the burden of procurement for local municipalities while helping achieve advanced and economically developed electricity and water systems. Service providers were selected based on their technical capabilities and compliance with regulatory requirements.
It sounds like a way to drag the metering of services in South Africa into the 21st century –but how are these seven companies going to manage the millions of conversions required?
HOW SMART?
Greg Rood, CEO of Sigfox South Africa (Sigfox SA) – one of the seven service providers named as part of RT29 – explains that a smart water meter is an advanced device that measures utility consumption in real-time and transmits the data wirelessly – in our case, to the Sigfox SA Network monitoring platform. “Unlike traditional meters that require manual readings, smart meters use internet of things (IoT) technology to collect and send data automatically. This data can be accessed by consumers, utility providers and municipalities via online dashboards or mobile apps, allowing for better monitoring, leak detection and ef cient water management,” he explains.
Senior manager: IoT Engineering (ICT Business Solution) at MTN Business, Azam Irshad, says while smart water meters track water consumption, they can also detectleaks and send alerts to providers’ systems. “The data is processed through a smart metering platform where it is analysed and made available to
municipalities and consumers,” he explains. “The data is accessed by the municipalities and utility providers, who monitor consumption, detect issues and ensure billing accuracy. Consumers can track their water usage through user-friendly apps or dashboards, helping them manage costs.”
MEETING DEMAND
To help play its role in this signi cant task, Sigfox SA is collaborating with meter manufacturers, system integrators and municipalities to streamline the deployment. “By leveraging its LPWAN technology – a low-power, wide-area network enabling the cost-effective and energy-ef cient transmission of meter data –the company ensures meters can transmit data over long distances without excessive power consumption,” explains Rood.
providers to ensure the smooth integration into existing infrastructure, using advanced analytics to help municipalities optimise water management with real-time data insights and providing dedicated technical support – addressing challenges quickly through remote diagnostics and proactive maintenance.
LOGISTICS AND INTEGRATION
Rood explains the greatest challenge in rolling out a large-scale smart metering project is ensuring compatibility between different meter technologies, network infrastructure and existing municipal systems, so standardisation and integration are key issues that must be addressed.
“On-the-ground implementation challenges include logistical constraints, meter installation in hard-to-reach areas and securing community buy-in. Training technicians and ensuring public awareness also play a crucial role in the project’s success,” he says.
“Additionally, Sigfox SA uses scalable deployment strategies, including phased roll-outs and pilot projects, to manage the process effectively. In preparation for widespread project roll-out, the Sigfox SA Network has over 1 200 base stations reaching 95 per cent of South Africa. With more than a million connected devices in South Africa, we have enough data to understand the connectivity needs of consumers in urban and rural areas.”
For MTN Business’ part, Irshad says they’re ensuring a seamless roll-out by delivering a complete, ready-to-deploy solution – meters, connectivity and platform in one package, collaborating with municipalities and service
Irshad adds: “Some areas require network enhancements before smart meters can be installed and we need to work with municipalities’ different billing systems to integrate seamlessly. We also need to work hard to educate communities on the bene ts of smart metering to ensure their co-operation – and then replace legacy meters with minimal disruption to households.”
SMART SAVINGS
“Since smart meters promote water conservation by providing real-time insights into consumption patterns, they enable both consumers and municipalities to identify wasteful usage,” says Rood. “By detecting leaks and excessive consumption early, these meters help reduce overall water wastage, contributing to long-term water sustainability efforts in South Africa.”
Irshad adds that being able to monitor their water usage in real-time will encourage responsible water usage, thereby helping consumers adjust their consumption habits. “We also foresee that smart meters will play a key role in preventing water theft, with meter tampering alerts helping municipalities take action,” he says.
“UNLIKE TRADITIONAL METERS THAT REQUIRE MANUAL READINGS, SMART METERS USE INTERNET OF THINGS
Azam Irshad
Greg Rood
BEYOND MEASUREMENT
The deployment of smart meters has far-reaching socioeconomic bene ts beyond just accurate billing. Irshad says these bene ts will positively impact municipalities, households, businesses and the economy in several ways, including:
• Job creation and skills development as the roll-out requires installation technicians, network engineers, data analysts and customer support staff.
• Local workforce training programmes to ensure municipal staff and technicians acquire new skills in IoT technology and smart infrastructure management.
• Cost savings for households and businesses as accurate billing eliminates overcharges that previously resulted from estimated readings, helping people better manage their water expenses.
• Improved municipal revenue and service delivery with smart meters helping recover losses in the millions of rands and from nonrevenue water due to leaks, theft or inaccurate billing. Rood says the “unexpected bene ts” of smart metering include improved disaster management through early leak detection in large infrastructure systems, reduced carbon footprints due to fewer manual meter readings and the ability to implement time-of-use tariffs that encourage off-peak water usage. “Additionally, smart metering data can be used for urban planning and infrastructure development, leading to smarter, more sustainable cities,” he says.
SMART METERING IN ACTION
Rood says installations of smart meters are already starting to demonstrate bene ts. “One of the most signi cant smart water metering projects in South Africa was in a major metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape where Vodacom and Macrocomm were key implementing partners. The large-scale roll-out involved the installation of 150 000 smart water meters, marking a critical step towards reducing water losses and improving municipal ef ciency,” he explains. “Despite common perceptions that advanced network infrastructure is primarily concentrated in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban, this project demonstrates that large-scale IoT deployments can succeed in other regions as well.”
He says by leveraging IoT technology, the project has already started to reduce nonrevenue water losses and improve cost recovery for the municipality, with the roll-out a testament to how strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology can drive water conservation and enhance service delivery at a municipal level.
Irshad says the MTN Business roll-out is progressing well, with the organisation currently at different stages of development and implementation across various municipalities. “Some municipalities are in the planning and approval phase, others are moving towards deployment and integration. As this initiative scales, we anticipate signi cant bene ts, including enhanced revenue collection, improved operational ef ciency, better water conservation and customer empowerment,” he says. “We remain committed to collaborating with municipalities to ensure a smooth, effective and impactful roll-out that supports South Africa’s broader smart city vision.”
Public reception to the project has been mixed, notes Rood, with some communities welcoming the technology for its bene ts and others expressing concerns over costs and data security. “On-the-ground teams report challenges such as resistance from some residents, logistical complexities and the need for extensive public education. However, where successful engagement has taken place, adoption rates have been positive.”
Follow: Azam Irshad @ www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-azam-irshad-24b10114
Sigfox South Africa @ www.linkedin.com/company/sigfoxsa
CLEAN WATER – THE LIFEBLOOD OF HEALTHCARE AND COMMUNITIES
A reliable water supply is fundamental for basic daily tasks and hygiene, sterilisation and medical procedures. Without it, communities suffer and healthcare is compromised, so finding sustainable water solutions is urgent.
Apartnership that began in 2018 between humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers and Bonitas Medical Fund, is helping lead the way. The objective is to provide relief to the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, speci cally in healthcare interventions.
This has included several projects such as water interventions and boreholes at Kalafong Hospital (Pretoria), Cwebeni (Eastern Cape), Boitekong Community Health Centre Clinic (Rustenburg) and Tower Psychiatric Hospital (Free State). In addition, the partnership has assisted nal-year medical students struggling nancially, provided disaster relief after the KwaZulu-Natal oods, audiology testing of 16 000 learners in KwaZulu-Natal and upgrades to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University outside Pretoria.
GIFT OF WATER FOR KALAFONG HOSPITAL
When Kalafong Hospital, a 1 118-bed teaching hospital in Atteridgeville, Pretoria faced critical water shortages, the consequences were dire. Built in 1973, the hospital services a large population of residents and is the training facility for future medical professionals, studying at the University of Pretoria Faculty of Health Sciences. But, without a stable water supply, basic hospital functions, such as handwashing, hygiene, drinking, cleaning, sterilisation, laundry, cooling of medical gas and suction compressors for patients on ventilators, were at risk.
Recognising the urgency, the University of Pretoria turned to Gift of the Givers for assistance, and the organisation approached Bonitas Medical Fund to help fund a R1.2-million borehole project.
A borehole was drilled and at 148 metres water was struck, yielding 8 000 litres hourly.
Eight by 10 000 litre water storage tanks were installed to ensure a consistent supply. Since becoming operational in June last year, the borehole provides water to the hospital’s reservoir, supplementing the municipal water supply by 150 000 litres per day, over half of the hospital’s daily consumption. It has also helped lower running costs by reducing the water bill.
TURNING ON TAPS FOR THE CWEBENI COMMUNITY
For the 3 000-odd residents of Cwebeni in rural Port St Johns, fetching water for drinking, cooking and bathing was a daily struggle, requiring long, exhausting and often treacherous walks, while balancing buckets, along a narrow path to a spring.
Here the collaboration resulted in the drilling of another borehole. At 200 metres, water was found – yielding 960 litres hourly. The borehole is solar-powered, ensuring a sustainable, eco-friendly solution.
“IT IS REWARDING TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE OUR PROJECTS HAVE MADE IN THE LIVES OF PATIENTS, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND
To maintain water quality, two 5 000-litre storage tanks were installed, along with taps for the local school and community. Initial testing showed elevated levels of coliform bacteria so four UV puri cation lights were installed. However, residents are encouraged to boil drinking water as a safety measure.
THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
Lee Callakoppen, Principal Of cer of Bonitas, says: “Clean water is not a privilege; it’s a right. It is rewarding to see the difference our projects have made in the lives of patients, healthcare professionals and the community. One of these moments was in November last year when the village of Cwebeni had running water for the rst time in nearly a decade.
“These and other projects carried out with Gift of the Givers, underpin our commitment to being the medical aid for South Africa. We are passionate about upliftment and, while Gift of the Givers identi es areas of need, we help ensure the projects can be initiated and completed,” he adds.
“Clean water and sanitation go hand in hand with dignity. Without it, communities face huge challenges, including the threat of disease, poor hygiene and malnutrition,” says Gift of the Givers’ Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. “Clean water is life and health. We look forward to our continued partnership with Bonitas, always with the health and wellness of South Africans as the priority.”
FROM SEWAGE TO SUSTAINABILITY
MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS unpacks the urgency around wastewater
In 2018, Cape Town came shockingly close to Day Zero – a moment of reckoning that underscored South Africa’s precarious water situation. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicts a 17 per cent water de cit by 2030 if immediate action isn’t taken. However, innovative projects are leading the charge to ensure a water-secure future, showcasing the potential of wastewater reuse in addressing scarcity.
PIONEERING INFRASTRUCTURE
One of South Africa’s largest infrastructure upgrades, the R2-billion Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works in Cape Town, exempli es the possibilities of wastewater repurposing. The facility has increased its capacity from 72 megalitres of sewage per day to 90 megalitres, addressing growing demands while prioritising environmental responsibility.
Dr Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, explains the facility’s long-term vision: to turn treated wastewater into potable drinking water. “We need to ensure the quality of the ef uent we discharge into the environment meets the highest standards,” says Dr Badroodien. While public perception poses challenges –convincing people to drink recycled water – the City of Cape Town aims to shift mindsets with the help of an independent advisory panel and public education campaigns.
In the interim, treated wastewater from Zandvliet is already making an impact. Much of
the ef uent is redirected to irrigate golf courses, parks and other large-scale users, reducing the reliance on freshwater for non-potable purposes. Additionally, the treated water discharged into the Kuils River has signi cantly improved the surrounding ecosystem, with ora and fauna returning upstream.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS: CLOSING THE WATER LOOP
South Africa’s industrial sector is no stranger to wastewater reuse. Benoit Le Roy, founding director and CEO of Water Ledger SA, highlights that the food and beverage industry has long repurposed wastewater. Techniques like thermo-osmosis, ultra- ltration and micro- ltration are used to recycle water for ventilation, cooling systems and even certain production processes.
OVERCOMING TECHNICAL HURDLES
Not all agree on the current state of wastewater reuse. Professor Leslie Petrik from the University of the Western Cape has raised concerns about existing treatment methods such as the absence of reverse osmosis systems in some plants. While granulated activated carbon is commonly used to absorb contaminants, Professor Petrik suggests exploring alternative absorbents that are more cost-effective and less wasteful.
Despite these critiques, advancements in wastewater technology continue to build con dence. Dr Badroodien af rms that the Zandvliet facility is equipped with cutting-edge processes to ensure compliance with water use licences and environmental standards. “The treated ef uent is of such high quality that it is contributing to the regeneration of biodiversity in nearby catchments,” he notes.
A VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
In agriculture, the reuse of treated ef uent has revolutionised irrigation. Approximately 80 to 90 per cent of water used in farming is recycled, making it a cornerstone of sustainable practices in a water-scarce nation. By adopting cutting-edge technology, such as smart analytics and arti cial intelligence-driven predictions, projects like the Nexus Water Alchemy are digitising the water value chain to further enhance ef ciency and reliability.
Cape Town’s efforts to reuse wastewater are emblematic of a larger national movement. Across South Africa, wastewater reuse is proving to be a game-changer in agriculture, industry and even the pursuit of potable water. From large-scale infrastructure projects to digital innovation in water management, these case studies highlight the potential of treated wastewater to address the looming water crisis.
As Le Roy points out, South Africa’s water reuse technology is among the most advanced in the developing world. By scaling these successes and addressing public concerns, the nation can secure a more sustainable future –transforming sewage into a vital resource in the ght against water scarcity.
Follow: Benoit Le Roy www.linkedin.com/in/benoitleroysouthafrica
Dr Zahid Badroodien www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zahid-badroodien-61384a286
Professor Leslie Petril www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-petrik-0497672
Benoit Le Roy
Dr Zahid Badroodien
Professor Leslie Petrik
READ CAPE TOWN WATER STORIES
Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works
There are three main reasons people seek nance to enhance their water security: being prepared for occasional outages, reducing their consumption and consequently how much they pay for water and becoming entirely water-independent by going off-grid.
1. PREPARING FOR OCCASIONAL OUTAGE
Households wanting to ensure they have enough water during temporary supply disruptions should focus on storage as a basic backup. The costs for JoJo or similar water storage tanks are:
• 500 litres: R1 500–R2 500
• 1 000 litres: R2 500–R4 000
• 5 000 litres: R8 000–R15 000. Installation costs should be between R1 000 and R3 000.
Top tip:
When selecting the best option, you should consider your daily household usage and the typical duration of an outage. This will ensure you don’t pay over the odds for storage capacity you don’t need or subsequently discover you don’t have enough. If possible, install the tank in a shaded area. This will prevent algae growth and will mean you don’t need to clean it as regularly to maintain water quality.
THE LAYPERSON’S GUIDE TO
WATER SECURITY AND WHAT IT COSTS
NEVEN NARAYANASAMY shares insight on Direct Axis’ research into the costs and additional considerations of three options for households seeking to attain water security
and R150 000. Maintenance will cost between R1000 and R5 000 annually.
2. REDUCING HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION
Installing water-saving xtures and systems will help reduce water bills and contribute to water conservation. Prices vary depending on quality and complexity. Options and the associated costs are:
• Low- ow xtures: R200–R1 000 per xture; installation R500–R1 500 per xture.
• Dual- ush toilets: R1 500–R3 000 per unit; installation R500–R1 500 per unit.
• Greywater recycling systems: R10 000–R30 000; maintenance costs R500–R2 000 per annum. Greywater can be used for irrigation to reduce potable water use.
Top tip:
A point of departure is to educate household members about saving water. There’s little point in installing dual- ush systems in all your toilets if people are doing a full ush each time. Costs can be spread over time by rst replacing older xtures with more water-ef cient models.
3. GOING OFF-GRID
Achieving complete water independence requires a combination of alternative sources, storage and treatment systems. Supply options include:
• Borehole installation: this could cost anywhere between R50 000
REGARDLESS OF THE SIMPLICITY OR COMPLEXITY OF THE SYSTEM, REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED IF IT’S TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY AND PROVIDE SAFE WATER.
• Rainwater harvesting: initial costs range between R5 000 and R20 000 with maintenance costing between R500 and R1 000 a year.
Going entirely off-grid requires large storage capacity and you’ll need to consider seasonal variations in rainfall and borehole yield. Tanks that can hold 10 000 litres or more cost between R20 000 and R50 000 and installation costs range between R2 000 and R5 000.
For a household system, the two best treatment options are water lters or a UV-puri cation system. Water lters cost between R500 and R5 000, and annual maintenance ranges from R200 to R1 000.
UV systems start from R2 000 and can cost up to R10 000. Maintenance costs are between R500 and R1 500 a year.
Top tip:
No matter what your motivation for becoming more water secure, there are things to consider before you make any commitments.
• Assess your needs: understand what the household water consumption patterns are and what you require before investing in any system.
• Budget for maintenance: regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the system, regular maintenance is required if it’s to function ef ciently and provide safe water.
• Ensure you are compliant: nd out if there are any local regulations covering boreholes, rainwater harvesting and greywater systems.
• Consider getting professional advice: if you’re making a substantial nancial commitment, it may be worth getting a water-security expert to design and implement a system best tailored to your needs.
FAST-TRACKING DEVELOPMENT
Public-private collaboration is crucial to solving water and other regional linear and utility infrastructure challenges, writes
DR KOBUS DUVENHAGE , CEO of Lebalelo Water User Association
South Africa faces immense challenges in developing and maintaining its infrastructure to support social and economic growth. From water shortages to transport and energy crises, it is clear that no single entity, be it government or the private sector, can address these issues alone. To overcome these hurdles, we must embrace a collaborative approach. When the public and private sectors align, combining resources and expertise and a shared commitment to success, new possibilities for large-scale infrastructure development are unlocked.
THE REINVENTION OF LWUA
The Lebalelo Water User Association (LWUA) was established in 2002 to supply bulk raw water to mines and communities, through the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Between 2016 and 2016, LWUA experienced turbulent times – community upheaval, extensive vandalism to its infrastructure and the threat of disestablishment. Following this, LWUA decided to reinvent itself as a strategic water partner and a driver of sustainable socioeconomic development initiatives in its host communities.
An outcome of this transformation is the development of the Olifants Management Model Programme (OMMP), a R25-billion capital expenditure programme aimed at accelerating bulk raw and potable water infrastructure in Sekhukhune District and Mogalakwena Local Municipalities in Limpopo, optimising existing dams (De Hoop and Flag Boshielo) and enhancing Polokwane’s water supply. The OMMP is a 50:50 public-private collaboration, in terms of funding and governance, between Lebalelo’s commercial members, which include mining and industrial users, and institutional members, which includes government represented by DWS.
By integrating potable water infrastructure with bulk raw water supply, the OMMP enables communities and businesses to develop and maintain a reliable water system collaboratively for their collective bene t.
INTRODUCING THE HIVE CONCEPT
The OMMP is the rst practical application of the LWUA-developed “hive concept”, an alternative, public-private collaboration model for infrastructure development. As bees work together to build and maintain a hive, where each contributes to and bene ts from the collective effort, the hive concept embodies the synergy between government, industry and communities to construct, operate and maintain infrastructure that serves everyone, creating a foundation for long-term economic and social stability. Just as in nature, where a healthy, well-protected and thriving hive is much more likely to have a higher honey yield, infrastructure projects developed with the hive concept will yield better long-term, shared bene ts that ow from well-constructed and maintained infrastructure.
LESSONS LEARNED IN IMPLEMENTING THE OMMP
The hive concept encourages shared goals, inclusivity, exibility, equitable risk-sharing and long-term sustainability. It emphasises co-operative engagement through a nonpro t
aggregator (in the OMMP’s case through LWUA’s integrated governance structures) to ensure equitable infrastructure distribution. Successful public-private collaboration is based on six key principles:
1. Identify a common need: collaboration starts with a shared problem. The OMMP addresses Limpopo’s urgent need for bulk raw and potable water, aligning government and industry goals for a secure, sustainable supply.
2. Build trust early: transparency and shared decision-making create trust. The OMMP engages government and commercial users through strong stakeholder management and political positioning, highlighting economic and social bene ts.
3. Prioritise socioeconomic impact: sustainable projects must drive long-term community and economic growth, ensuring broader bene ts beyond infrastructure.
4. Establish a collaborative structure: managed within LWUA’s governance framework, the OMMP ensures equitable, policy-driven decision-making within a nonpro t, consensus-based model.
5. Share responsibility and risk: public and private partners contribute equally, leveraging innovative funding to ease scal pressure while ensuring joint accountability.
6. Stay adaptable: collaboration requires patience and exibility. The OMMP evolves with changing circumstances while staying focused on its long-term objectives.
EXPANDING THE APPLICATION OF THE HIVE CONCEPT
The public-private collaboration model can scale effectively for large projects not only in the water sector, but also other sectors with deteriorating or insuf cient infrastructure, such as energy, transport and telecommunications, where extensive regional linear and utility infrastructure is required.
By pooling public and private resources, sharing control and aligning goals, it is possible to fast-track development while ensuring that the bene ts are distributed equitably to support a prosperous and sustainable future for all South Africans.
WHEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS ALIGN, COMBINING RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE AND A SHARED COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS, NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR LARGE-SCALE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ARE UNLOCKED.
For more information, visit www.lebalelo.co.za
Follow: Dr Kobus Duvenhage @ www.linkedin.com/in/kobus-duvenhage-6100a2173
De Hoop Dam
Dr Kobus Duvenhage
The scale of the water infrastructure crisis in South Africa is immense, but forward-thinking stakeholders in the public and private sectors can position themselves as pockets of excellence by learning from their counterparts in Asia and focusing on the elements they can control and act on.
The current framing of the water infrastructure crisis is one in which hundreds of billions of rands are needed to x ageing infrastructure. When the Department of Water and Sanitation estimates an annual investment of over R90billion over the next decade, it is easy to be frozen into inaction.
The numbers are too big for an ordinary resident, business owner, municipal manager or mayor, provincial public-sector of cial or even a single-term presidential administration to get their heads around.
In short, it appears we are getting better at diagnosing the problems – ageing infrastructure, leaking pipes, corruption – that contribute to the crisis but appear to be lacking the surgical strategic focus needed to take us forward.
This leads to some paralysis as stakeholders expect others to take the lead on initiatives. This doesn’t have to be the case.
The topic of government “ef ciency” is taking centre stage globally and South Africa is no exception, particularly following the formation of the Government of National Unity where new ministers are eager to demonstrate their ability to enhance service delivery and gain recognition in the eyes of the voting public.
HOW WOULD WE DEFINE A “STRATEGIC” FOCUS?
There is a lot of hope being placed on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, but we cannot adopt a “wait for the infrastructure” approach, it simply takes too long and the impacts of the crisis are being felt now.
A broken system
Critics will tell you that water provisioning is complex and large engineering projects will take years, however, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) sees another path for governments that will enable them to be more innovative and responsive rather than allowing the complexity to deter progress.
WHAT COULD THESE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS LOOK LIKE?
South Africa achieved nearly 300 days without load shedding, but this was not because of new power stations coming online. Rather, it was driven by a combination of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which enabled private sector infrastructure investment, and the rapid roll-out of rooftop solar, providing Eskom with the breathing room to conduct maintenance while keeping the economy running.
It is important to remember that innovation isn’t just about introducing new technology solutions. In the public sector, the pen is often its greatest resource. By combining policy governance with innovative incentives, we can create streamlined pathways for new solutions.
For example, the Section 12B incentive became a powerful catalyst for the rapid
When it comes to the water crisis: think big, act fast, but start small, says DEAN MURUVEN, associate director at Boston Consulting Group
roll-out of rooftop solar infrastructure. It not only rewarded citizens who invested in solar, but also enabled the development of pooled funding structures for asset managers – reducing costs and facilitating larger-scale projects. The potential to extend this incentive to installing water-saving devices or rainwater harvesting systems could have a similar impact.
A second example is the fresh thinking from National Treasury around public-private partnerships under the value of R2-billion, which can now go through less onerous approval processes that should ultimately bring them to market sooner.
This prompts us to reconsider the technologies we could implement. It often feels as though we are locked into the idea that water can only be delivered through large-scale infrastructure and piped distribution. In Asia, BCG has developed “sandboxes” for testing different solutions, including decentralised water treatment sanitation services and optimised water storage for farmers. If we zero in on speci c municipalities and, for example, focus solely on diversifying the water supply, for instance, rainwater capture, the potential to enhance our water infrastructure could be immense.
Whichever way you look at it, the water system is broken. We have supply and demand challenges, operational and maintenance issues and serious governance issues. We must think differently to accelerate the co-creation of local water initiatives and scale successful projects.
Those who are prepared to think big, act fast, but start small can positively impact the communities where they operate and provide a catalyst for one of our most pressing socioeconomic challenges.
Follow: Dean Muruven www.linkedin.com/in/dean-muruven-b8154b64
REVOLUTIONISING SANITATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
BRIAN
LEWIS, CEO of Envirosan Sanitation Solutions, shares how Envirosan is making a difference in communities and schools by replacing unsafe sanitation practices with safer, dignified and sustainable alternatives
Since its inception in 2006, Envirosan Sanitation Solutions has grown into a leading international manufacturer and supplier of sustainable sanitation systems. With its manufacturing base in KwaZulu-Natal and distribution facilities across South Africa, the company has expanded its footprint by identifying pressing needs in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.
Envirosan recognised that if eThekwini Municipality –widely regarded as a global leader in sanitation development – faced signi cant service delivery challenges, other municipalities would likely be experiencing the same issues. To address this, Envirosan embarked on nationwide engagements with municipalities, government departments and rural communities. What became clear is that there is no one-size- ts-all solution. While some challenges were universal, others were unique to speci c communities.
WATER-SAVING INNOVATION
In 2015, following extensive research and collaboration with the Water Research Commission, Envirosan developed and patented a toilet that requires just 2 litres of water per ush, compared to the conventional 6–9 litres. Envirosan designed it to operate using greywater, rainwater, river water, or any available water source, empowering communities to reuse water ef ciently. This innovation has had a signi cant impact on water conservation, particularly in water-scarce regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.
ERADICATING PIT LATRINES AND PROTECTING CHILDREN
STRENGTH THROUGH COLLABORATION
The company takes a comprehensive approach – from concept development and prototype testing to full-scale production, installation, training and ongoing operations and maintenance. Over the past two decades, Envirosan has installed more than 2.5 million toilets, setting itself apart through continuous innovation and a commitment to safer, more digni ed and sustainable sanitation solutions.
Beyond manufacturing, Envirosan is a recognised sanitation specialist, ensuring compliance with South African National Standards (SANS) and Building Regulations, while staying at the cutting edge of global technological advancements. Much of its success comes from strategic partnerships with international organisations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and WaterAid. These collaborations allow Envirosan to implement solutions that not only meet municipal requirements but also address the speci c needs of local communities.
One of its most impactful partnerships has been with the Department of Education and nongovernmental organisations such as Breadline Africa to eradicate dangerous pit toilets in schools.
There have been many tragic consequences of pit latrines where children have fallen in and suffered severe injuries or even lost their lives. Many children in rural schools still resort to open defecation, exposing them to hygiene risks, safety concerns and even security threats. Envirosan’s efforts to replace these unsafe toilets with modern, digni ed sanitation solutions have directly improved school attendance.
In several schools where the Envirosan sanitation systems have been installed, absenteeism has dropped by as much 35 per cent, thus highlighting the signi cant impact that investment in Safe, Digni ed and Sustainable Sanitation Solutions holds. Lewis maintains that “It is unacceptable that, 30 years into South Africa’s democracy, children still face such deplorable conditions! Envirosan remain resolute in our commitment that The People of Africa Deserve Better!”
With innovation, collaboration and a relentless commitment to Dignity, Envirosan continues to transform sanitation in South Africa –one community at a time.
Brian Lewis
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE SANITATION
KALOOLA HOME NPC is providing safe, dignified sanitation to communities through its waterless, circular economy sanitation model
South Africa’s sanitation crisis remains a pressing issue. Over two million homes in informal settlements rely on shared chemical toilets, community ablution blocks and pit toilets. Poor sanitation impacts health, dignity, gender equality and social justice, underscoring the urgent need for a transformative solution. Kaloola Home NPC is pioneering an innovative, waterless and circular economy sanitation model that not only restores dignity, but also ensures long-term sustainability through a user-pay system.
“We started Kaloola with a simple yet powerful vision: to give people access to safe, digni ed sanitation solutions that improve their quality of life while preserving the environment at the same time,” says Ntando Eben Mbhele, director of business development for Kaloola Home NPC.
This approach not only secures operational sustainability, but also allows Kaloola to expand and improve services for more communities in need.
ADVANCING CIRCULARITY WITH DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS
THE USER-PAY MODEL: BUILDING OWNERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITy
At the core of Kaloola’s model is a user-pay system that empowers communities by fostering ownership, ensuring accountability and minimising waste and vandalism. Customers choose Kaloola’s home toilets over shared facilities as they provide privacy, safety and dignity. The bene ts of this system are multifaceted:
• Customer agency: households take charge of their sanitation solutions, making an active choice for better hygiene and convenience.
• Sense of ownership: paying a small monthly fee fosters responsibility and ensures proper use and maintenance.
• Zero theft, vandalism and loss: unlike free public amenities that often fall prey to misuse, Kaloola’s model ensures toilets remain in place and operational.
Kaloola is actively investigating the best ways to complete the circular economy aspect of its sanitation model. While waste-to-energy and sustainable fertiliser solutions are potential pathways, Kaloola’s approach will be entirely data-driven to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. It is currently gathering insights to determine the most viable and impactful solutions that will bene t both communities and the environment.
PARTNERING WITH MUNICIPALITIES AND WATER UTILITIES
A key component of Kaloola’s mission is to support municipalities and water utilities in ful lling their mandates. These entities are tasked with providing equitable sanitation services, improving public health and ensuring environmental sustainability. Kaloola’s waterless sanitation solution directly aligns with these objectives by:
• Reducing pressure on water resources: by eliminating the need for water in sanitation, Kaloola helps conserve scarce municipal water supplies.
• Enhancing public health outcomes: properly managed sanitation reduces the spread of disease and promotes healthier communities.
• Providing scalable, cost-effective solutions: the model offers an affordable, long-term alternative to traditional sewage infrastructure.
Kaloola currently has an active partnership with eThekwini Municipality, supporting its sanitation initiatives within informal urban settlements.
With 152 customers across multiple informal settlements in urban areas, Kaloola is demonstrating the viability of its model.
Customer satisfaction is exceptionally high, with surveys showing that 92 per cent of users rate their experience as good or very good and 95 per cent would recommend Kaloola toilets to their neighbours.
A CALL TO ACTION: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPACT
Kaloola Home NPC is committed to transforming sanitation in South Africa, but cannot do it alone. To scale its impact, the organisation is actively seeking corporate social investment and environmental, social and governance grants, along with strategic partnerships.
By investing in Kaloola, partners can contribute to a sustainable sanitation future and local meaningful jobs that aligns with national and global development goals. Now is the time to act – together, we can drive meaningful change and build a more digni ed, sustainable future for all.
For more information: eben@kaloola.co.za www.kaloola.co.za
Ntando Mbhele
A Kaloola toilet in an informal settlement.
WEATHERING THE STORM
Water infrastructure in the age of climate change
With climate change firmly on the agenda in most international forums, it is no surprise there is focused attention, globally and across sectors, to address the many risks and challenges posed by the possible effects of climate change, writes
ELRIZA THERON
Water availability is a critical risk factor in climate change. For a water-scarce country, such as South Africa, it’s an area that needs urgent and collaborative efforts to ensure these impacts are mitigated.
In Report No. SP 155/22, the Water Research Commission highlights that the water sector is facing depletion and deterioration due to the growing frequency and severity of extreme climate-related events, including droughts, heatwaves and oods, which are intensifying alongside climate change. The report underscores the need for proactive planning to respond to droughts and oods while enhancing resilience to these challenges.
SOLUTIONS AND CHALLENGES
The rst step should be to work with what we have already and ensure that, at the very least, the available water is not wasted.
Dr James Cullis, a water resources engineer and infrastructure expert at Zutari, notes that South Africa has always been water-scarce with signi cant temporal and spatial variability. Commenting on some of the challenges, he says most water sources are surface water-dependent and the availability is often distant from demand areas. He adds that catchment degradation from invasive plant species and insuf cient environmental ows are also major challenges while degradation from failing wastewater treatment plants and sewage over ows, due to power shortages and poor maintenance, exacerbate the problem as this kind of pollution impacts ecosystems, water supply and related industries like tourism.
According to Robert Erasmus, managing director at Sanitech, environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments by businesses can drive adoption of sustainable water management practices. “Reusing wastewater
presents a signi cant opportunity for businesses and industries to alleviate stress on water resources while contributing to ESG reporting requirements. Advanced treatment technologies can render wastewater safe for various uses, including drinking, agriculture and irrigation.” Erasmus further encourages businesses to set targets for water reduction and reuse to foster accountability and progress. In addition, promoting awareness about the risks and inconveniences of water outages could serve as a motivator for the private sector to embrace self-suf cient water solutions.
about water reuse is crucial for its success. He recommends educating communities about the impact of, for instance, ushable toilets, and highlighting the environmental and resource-saving bene ts of non ush solutions. He further suggests that industries should be better supported to adopt closed-loop water systems.
Another priority should be to repair existing water distribution systems to minimise losses. “Insuf cient investment in both new infrastructure and the maintenance of existing systems are major challenges,” says Dr Cullis, adding, “water losses average 38 per cent due to poor maintenance of municipal systems.”
Both Dr Cullis and Erasmus agree that water reuse technologies need higher adoption rates, but public perception and possible cost implications remain a challenge. “Water reuse technology is evolving to be more energy- and cost-ef cient with lessons drawn from international best practices. There is potential for increased integration of treated wastewater into industrial applications although logistical challenges limit its feasibility in some cases,” says Dr Cullis. Erasmus notes that a shift in societal perception
Dr James Cullis
Erasmus also recommends that community-driven initiatives should be fostered so leaks can easily be reported and resolved.
Another example is groundwater, although underutilised and accounting for only around 20 per cent of total water use, it is a critical resource for many rural areas. However, this valuable resource is under threat from over-abstraction and pollution, which, according to Dr Cullis, pose signi cant risks to aquifers. Coastal aquifers face additional challenges, including saltwater intrusion caused by sea-level rise and excessive usage. To address these issues and harness groundwater more effectively, municipalities such as Cape Town and Saldanha Bay have begun implementing groundwater schemes.
Despite infrastructure challenges, Dr Cullis highlights that South Africa has numerous innovative and world-class solutions, including water reuse, catchment management and stormwater innovations. “The focus should include scaling up successful initiatives and leveraging local expertise rather than looking solely overseas,” he recommends.
Essentially, there needs to be a shift in the mindset of all parties to address South Africa’s water issues effectively, requiring collective effort, inter-industry collaboration and a will to turn the challenges into opportunities.
“WATER REUSE TECHNOLOGY IS EVOLVING TO BE MORE ENERGY- AND COST-EFFICIENT WITH LESSONS DRAWN FROM INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES.”
DR JAMES CULLIS
Follow: Robert Erasmus www.linkedin.com/in/robertgerasmus
Dr James Cullis www.linkedin.com/in/james-cullis-pr-eng-phd-3b845091
Robert Erasmus
ENSURING A WATER-SECURE FUTURE
A look at the role EWSETA plays in skills development across the water sector
Water security is fundamental to South Africa’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and social stability. As a water-scarce country facing rising demand and infrastructure challenges, the need for a skilled workforce in the water sector has never been more urgent. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) is addressing this challenge, ensuring skills development spans the entire water value chain from governance and resource management to artisanal skills that keep essential services running.
THE SKILLS IMPERATIVE FOR THE SECTOR
South Africa loses an estimated 1 660 million3 metres of water annually due to leaks, poor infrastructure and inef ciencies. This amounts to over R9-billion in lost revenue each year. Compounding the crisis, the country faces a shortage of skilled professionals who can manage, maintain and develop its water infrastructure.
EWSETA is responding by aligning its skills development initiatives with the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, which outlines the critical need for professionalisation across the sector. By working with various authorities and higher education institutions, EWSETA ensures skills development is targeted, practical and sustainable.
EWSETA’s mandate extends beyond technical training and encompasses the full ecosystem of water governance, engineering and service delivery. The entity collaborates with key stakeholders to ensure water planning, policy implementation and infrastructure management are backed by a
capable and well-trained workforce. Some key focus areas include:
• Water resource management: training professionals in hydrology, environmental management and integrated water resource management to optimise water allocation and sustainability.
• Catchment and infrastructure maintenance: providing skills development for Catchment Management Agencies to oversee conservation, water quality management and pollution control.
• Artisanal and technical skills: addressing the critical shortage of plumbers, pipe tters and wastewater treatment operators.
• Municipal and industrial water services: supporting municipalities with training programmes to address service delivery and infrastructure maintenance gaps. EWSETA works with municipalities to build capacity in water services, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing service delivery.
PARTNERSHIPS
EWSETA’s approach to skills development is demand-driven and industry-led. By engaging directly with employers, training institutions and sector specialists, EWSETA ensures its programmes remain relevant and responsive to industry needs. Notably, the PoVE Water Management Initiative, launched in partnership with Stellenbosch University and various TVET colleges, aims to cultivate vocational excellence within the water sector. This initiative underscores the necessity for technical skills development at all levels, ensuring South Africa has the talent to support its growing water demands.
EWSETA also works with higher education institutions to strengthen research and innovation in water technologies, governance models and sustainable resource management. These partnerships ensure graduates entering the workforce are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical expertise to drive ef ciency in the sector. This includes key initiatives, such as the Water Research Commission bursary partnership, The Technology Hub programme and EWSETA’s involvement in IFAT, a global trade fair for water and wastewater management, all of which contribute to advancing water technology innovation in South Africa.
THE URGENCY OF ACTION
The Department of Water and Sanitation projects that demand for water will exceed supply by 2030 if immediate measures are not taken to improve ef ciency and workforce capacity. Skills development is not a secondary concern, it is a foundational pillar for ensuring the country’s water security and economic stability.
Through its targeted interventions, industry partnerships and strategic investments in skills development, EWSETA is helping future-proof South Africa’s water sector by equipping the workforce to address the challenges of climate change, urbanisation and infrastructure demands.
This is an opportunity for the industry to collaborate with EWSETA, invest in upskilling initiatives and contribute to the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s most precious resource. The time to act is now.
ON A PATH TOWARDS BETTER WATER MANAGEMENT
Water is a big issue in the Eastern Cape. This province, rich in natural wonders but poor nancially, has experienced droughts for decades and is now facing crippling water shortages in many areas due to crumbling infrastructure and mismanagement.
That’s what makes the work being done by Walter Sisulu University (WSU) so important. Recently, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation’s South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, the university opened a Rural Coastal Sustainability Laboratory aimed at addressing climate change adaptation and food security.
Professor Albert Thembinkosi Modi, executive dean of the WSU Faculty of Natural Sciences, says the lab is classi ed as a Centre for Global Change and focuses on sustainable development. Water pollution and integration of land and ocean resources form the broader perspective of risk and vulnerability science, identifying opportunities related to water management. “There are rivers that originate in the Drakensberg and ow through the Eastern Cape, but there has never been a university that focuses on water management issues affecting the rural poor and establishment of development opportunities in this part of South Africa,” says
The establishment of a Centre for Global Change at Walter Sisulu University is helping to kick-start engagement with learners, local communities, farmers and government about how to conserve the Eastern Cape’s precious water resources.
By ANTHONY SHARPE
Professor Modi. “Our focus at the university is to study the connection between the rivers and the ocean, addressing issues of agriculture and biodiversity.”
STRATEGIES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Professor Modi says the biomes along these rivers are strategically modelled according to Geographic Information Systems classi cation to identify areas of potential research into the connection between water, energy and food. One area of focus is on smart villages. “A smart village is an establishment in a rural area where you provide facilities focusing mainly on the management of natural resources – water, soil and plant biodiversity – where agricultural production takes place,” he explains.
This work falls under the strategy of sustainable agroecosystems. “This involves recognising those ecological systems that require good water management, while also understanding how this can contribute to agriculture. So, we want to run short learning programmes on water management for the communities in rural areas as well as local government employees who support them.”
“OUR
ALBERT MODI
These programmes are also intended to impart mitigation strategies to prevent pollution from spilling into the ocean to protect the biodiversity for which the Eastern Cape coast is famed.
In this regard, WSU aims to create partnerships with other universities in South Africa and abroad and train postgraduate students in the water-food-energy nexus.
“We want people to understand the scale of the
Professor Albert Thembinkosi Modi
VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
A study that surveyed 140 people living in rural Eastern Cape areas found that 51 per cent access water from rivers, streams, lakes and community reservoirs or taps, while 41 per cent relied on boreholes or wells, municipal water tankers, harvested rainwater and dams or lagoons. Crucially, it found that none of these water sources were reliable in light of the droughts that have affected the province recently and environmental pollution.
Source: Water security in rural Eastern Cape, SA: Interrogating the impacts of politics and climate change
NO DROP REPORT
The Department of Water and Sanitation’s 2023 No Drop Report found that only three Water Services Authorities in the Eastern Cape achieved an audit score of about 50 per cent. It identified the following as areas requiring attention and improvement: water resource diagrams; water conservation strategies and business plans; consumer meter replacement programmes; and leak repair response times.
water resources here in the Eastern Cape, then in uence local government and municipalities to develop strategies focused on this nexus.”
Professor Modi also wants to engage local government in understanding where new dams can be established. “We can build large dams fed from these rivers without any negative effect on the environment, thus contributing to the establishment of sustainable rural economies and livelihoods in the Eastern Cape.”
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE THROUGH ENDEMIC PLANTS
Professor Modi says the long-term goal of the university is to establish small-scale agriculture that is characterised by innovation rather than subsistence. “This involves, for example, planting neglected indigenous plants that are drought-resistant, don’t require lots of fertiliser that could pollute the rivers and don’t require
many months of growth to produce a good yield.
“Currently, we’re establishing a Centre for Sustainable Food Systems to identify and farm wild plants that grow along the Eastern Cape’s rivers, such as indigenous wild edible plants. Many of these are seasonal, but it only takes a month for some to be harvestable.”
“Although these farms are intended to be small in scale, the plants intended to be harvested are not typically required in large quantities, he says. “There’s a link to the tourism industry in areas, such as Gqeberha, East London and Port St. Johns, where you can supply these crops regularly as organic fresh produce for processing, ideally supported by government and international organisations.”
THE STEM LINK
WSU’s Centre for Global Change is currently participating in strategies to develop the skills of staff, lecturers and students in collaboration with other universities. “We will be working with local and international universities to establish a master’s degree in ocean science, where European partners will teach online and we conduct research in our rivers and oceans,” says Professor Modi. “This research requires science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills. For example, you need to develop statistical models to predict the sustainability of the Great Kei River and how it connects the Drakensberg and the ocean. We have no doubt that if our plans are clear the Department of Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and Department of Agrarian Development and Rural Reform will support our research-led community engagements.”
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
The university is engaging with communities across the board. Professor Modi says many middle-class Eastern Cape residents are concerned about the loss of invaluable indigenous knowledge. “I was taught the names of plants, animals and their connection to rivers and the ocean by my mother. Sometimes you can look at a river from a distance and know you will nd a certain kind of tortoise there. You know what kinds of food systems are found in some areas based on the nature of vegetation.
“We need to not only preserve this knowledge, but also combine it with an understanding of these ecological systems and biodiversity in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
WSU has also established relationships with local traditional leadership. “We are establishing centres where we can connect with local leaders and collect data for research,” explains Professor Modi. That engagement extends to schools, where the goal is to educate learners from a young age on issues related to water management. “We encourage our students from these rural areas to participate in our outreach programmes.”
Professor Modi wants this topic to become part of standard school curricula. “We need to make management of natural resources and indigenous knowledge part of education by including it in the curriculum, from primary school through to university. That is how you develop African innovations to save water, maintain natural resources and build a sustainable future.”
This also represents an opportunity to preserve and leverage crucial indigenous knowledge, he says. “Every innovation starts with a theory, so let’s teach theories that incorporate this knowledge at an undergraduate level, then at master’s or PhD levels we can test these theories to develop new technology and innovation systems, in collaboration with government, the private sector, and international organisations and universities.”
