Experts tackle SA’s water crisis at AWSISA dialogue

By Johnathan Paoli

The three-day Africa and Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue hosted by the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutes of South Africa (AWSISA) closed this week at Emperors Palace with a clear and urgent message for South Africa’s municipalities: collaboration, innovation, and capacity building are no longer optional but survival strategies for local water utilities.

The dialogue opened with high energy and attendance, drawing over 1,100 delegates from across Africa and the Global South.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina delivered a pointed reminder of what’s at stake for cities and towns.

“Without water, there is no life, no socio-economic development, and no livelihoods. Our people are waiting for implementation. The time for discussion is over; the time to deliver is now,” she said.

At the technical workshop, Managing Director of Rand Water Services, Maubane Mahlare, unveiled the Rand Water Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Model; a pioneering