Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has called for urgent and decisive implementation of the 2025 Water and Sanitation Indaba resolutions, warning that South Africa is facing a deepening water crisis that requires immediate action.
Addressing a national progress review platform, Majodina made it clear that the era of discussions and diagnostic reports must come to an end, with government now expected to deliver tangible results. The Minister stressed that water security has become a critical national priority, with far-reaching consequences for economic growth, public health and human dignity.
“When a cause is just, retreat is not an option. When the people are suffering, indifference is betrayal. Water security is national security; these are not isolated challenges. They point to systemic failure across the sector.” she said.
In addition, she said almost half of the country’s water is lost before it reaches communities due to leaks, ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance. The Minister placed significant responsibility on municipalities, describing them as the frontline of service delivery but warning that many are failing in their duties.
She highlighted poor planning, weak financial management, lack of preventative maintenance and inadequate revenue collection as key factors contributing to the collapse of water services in many areas.
Majodina warned that government will not hesitate to intervene where municipalities fail to perform. On the financial sustainability of the sector, she said the current model is under severe strain, with a culture of non-payment, weak billing systems and misallocation of funds worsening the crisis. The Minister also called for increased investment and the expansion of partnerships, including private sector participation and blended finance models, to ensure long-term sustainability of water infrastructure.
She further emphasised the need to strengthen technical capacity, warning that infrastructure often fails not only due to age, but because it is poorly operated. The Minister said the current engagement platform is not a ceremonial exercise but a critical accountability process aimed at tracking progress, identifying challenges and enforcing implementation across all spheres of government.
“There must be consequences. We will not tolerate the sabotage of public service. This is not another talk shop. It is a moment of truth for the water and sanitation sector. The people of South Africa do not want more reports. They want water.” Majodina said.
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