Striving towards Local Governance in Water Resource Management - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Striving towards Local Governance in Water Resource Management

3 mins read
l o

The Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa has appointed board members for its Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs), in a move towards local decision-making in water resource management. The newly-appointed board members are tasked with developing local catchment management strategies, ensuring stakeholder participation, and overseeing water resource management. This step aligns with the government’s initiative to decentralize decision-making and engage local entities in water resource administration. The CMAs aim to focus on quick decision-making protocols and a customer-centric approach to reinforce water resource management at the grassroots level.

Board Members Appointed for Catchment Management Agencies in South Africa: A Decisive Move towards Local Decision-Making in Water Resource Management. This calculated step is in consonance with the National Water Act of 1998 and the National Water Policy for South Africa, as part of a broader initiative to devolve decision-making and engage local entities in water resource administration. The newly inducted board members are entrusted with devising the local catchment management strategy, ensuring the effective participation of stakeholders, and supervising the management of water resources in the assigned water management area.

A Decisive Move Towards Local Decision-Making

In a significant stride towards promoting local governance in water resources management, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa, has unveiled the induction of Board Members for its Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs). This calculated step is in consonance with the National Water Act of 1998 and the National Water Policy for South Africa, as part of a broader initiative to devolve decision-making and engage local entities in water resource administration.

The formation of the CMAs was intended to enhance the coherent management of water resources at a grassroots level, underpinning the government’s dedication to transitioning from centralized authority. The induction of specialized Board Members signifies a crucial progress towards achieving this objective.

The Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has recently confirmed the appointment of Board Members for the Pongolo – uMzimkhulu and the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agencies. This selection was endorsed by the Cabinet on November 15, 2023.

Board Members Appointment – A New Chapter Begins

For the Pongolo – uMzimkhulu, the appointed Board Members showcases well-known figures such as Dr. Thava Kelly as Chairperson, Mr. Sibusiso Makhanya in the capacity of Deputy Chairperson, along with additional esteemed members, including Ms. Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Mr. Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr. Lembi William Mngoma, Ms. Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Prof. Purshottama Reddy, Mr. Mdandla Myeni, and Ms. Nokuthula Khanyile.

Similarly, the Vaal Orange board includes Mr. Desmond Solomon Fransman as Chairperson, Ms. Tsakane Zwane as Deputy Chairperson, and other members like Mr. Hubert Thompson, Ms. Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Mr. Nakana Masoka, Ms. Ponatshego Mothibi, Ms. Doris Dondur, Ms. Dichikane Mashego and Mr. Louis Van Oudtshoom.

As the Accounting Authority, the Board is entrusted with the operationalization of the CMAs, dispersing responsibilities which include devising the local catchment management strategy, ensuring the effective participation of stakeholders, and supervising the management of water resources in the assigned water management area.

A New Era in Water Resource Management

The CMA, bolstered by its new board members, is determined to cultivate a customer-centric ethos for water resources management. The CMAs aim to embrace quick decision-making protocols around water resource management, which is projected to make them more attentive to water user needs. This strategy is designed to encourage responsibility at the local level, thereby reinforcing water resources management.

The Department has conveyed its felicitations to the newly inducted board members and has extended its best wishes for their upcoming undertakings.

For further information, the Department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, can be reached. This important transition towards decentralized water management is anticipated to herald a fresh epoch of more efficient and responsive water resource management in South Africa. It aims to restore control to local stakeholders while cultivating a culture of accountability and customer-focused service. This effort establishes a benchmark for other countries dealing with similar issues, exemplifying an inventive approach to promoting local decision-making in water resources management.

1. What is the Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) in South Africa?

The Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) is a government-initiated agency that focuses on the management of water resources at the grassroots level in South Africa.

2. Why did the Department of Water and Sanitation appoint board members for the CMAs?

The Department of Water and Sanitation appointed board members for the CMAs to promote local decision-making and engage local entities in water resource administration.

3. What are the responsibilities of the newly-appointed board members of CMAs?

The newly-appointed board members of CMAs are responsible for developing local catchment management strategies, ensuring stakeholder participation, and overseeing water resource management.

4. What is the aim of the CMAs in South Africa?

The aim of the CMAs in South Africa is to focus on quick decision-making protocols and a customer-centric approach to reinforce water resource management at the grassroots level.

5. Who are some of the newly-appointed board members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu and Vaal Orange CMAs?

Some of the newly-appointed board members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu are Dr. Thava Kelly as Chairperson, Mr. Sibusiso Makhanya in the capacity of Deputy Chairperson, and for Vaal Orange, Mr. Desmond Solomon Fransman as Chairperson, Ms. Tsakane Zwane as Deputy Chairperson.

6. What is the Department of Water and Sanitation’s vision for the newly-inducted board members?

The Department of Water and Sanitation conveyed its felicitations to the newly inducted board members and has extended its best wishes for their upcoming undertakings. It aims to restore control to local stakeholders while cultivating a culture of accountability and customer-focused service.

Previous Story

A Century of Hartebeespoort Dam: Celebrating History and Fostering Sustainability

Next Story

Delving into the UIF and Thuja Holdings Dispute: A Detailed Analysis

Latest from Blog

The Debate Over Starlink’s Entry into South Africa: Technological Potential vs. Regulatory Hurdles

The entry of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, into South Africa is facing tough challenges due to local laws that require foreign companies to partner with local investors. Critics argue that these rules slow down internet access, especially in rural areas. Supporters, like former politician Tony Leon, believe that easing these regulations could boost technology and improve relations with the U.S. However, Starlink recently withdrew its application to operate in the country, raising concerns about how South Africa can attract foreign investment while addressing historical inequalities. This debate highlights the struggle between supporting local interests and embracing new technology for a better future.

Unmasking the Veil: The Hidden Campaign of the Trump Administration

The Trump administration’s costcutting efforts, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are shrouded in mystery, raising alarms about honesty in government. With major cuts to global aid, especially in health and education, trust in the administration is fading. Many worry that the figures reported as savings are misleading, and the lack of detailed information on contracts only adds to the confusion. As legal battles unfold, the need for clear communication and accountability becomes even more urgent, reminding us that open governance is crucial for public confidence.

Major Supermarkets Recall Heartland Foods Cereals: A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Major supermarket chains like Shoprite and Checkers are recalling Heartland Foods cereals because some labels had wrong nutritional information. Even though they didn’t get any complaints, they want to be honest and keep customers safe. Shoppers can easily return the affected cereals for a full refund, no receipt needed! This recall shows how much these stores care about their customers and keeping food safe.

The South African Housing Market: A Journey Through Economic Terrain

The South African housing market is a tale of two cities. Cape Town’s home prices have shot up by 25%, attracting many buyers despite the rising cost of living, while Johannesburg’s prices have climbed more modestly at 12%, making it a tempting option for those seeking better economic stability. Many people are reconsidering where to live, with some returning to Johannesburg for a sense of comfort and affordability. As economic pressures weigh heavily, both cities tell a story of resilience and adaptation as South Africans navigate their changing world, searching for a place they can call home.

Cape Town’s ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget: A Vision for the Future

Cape Town’s ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget for 2025/26 is a big plan to help the city and its people. With R39.7 billion set aside, the budget focuses on making essential services like water and electricity more affordable for lowerincome families. Mayor Geordin HillLewis shared this vision on a sunny morning, aiming to improve community safety by adding more police officers and reshaping the city’s infrastructure. While some celebrate these changes, others express concerns about added costs and the need for better crime prevention. Overall, this budget hopes to pave the way for a brighter future for all Cape Town residents.