Pretoria: Cabinet has welcomed the release of the National Water Action Plan, which outlines strategic interventions to ensure a reliable supply of quality water to all South Africans while addressing the root causes of the country's water challenges. The plan, released recently following a meeting of the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), sets out short-, medium-, and long-term interventions to tackle persistent water supply challenges affecting municipalities, communities, and businesses.
According to South African Government News Agency, the measures outlined in the plan include increased investment in water infrastructure, private-sector participation, legal and regulatory reforms to enhance municipal service delivery, and initiatives to combat corruption and criminality in the water sector. WATERCOM, chaired by President Ramaphosa, was established following the 2026 State of the Nation Address in response to increasingly severe water supply interruptions in parts of the country. The committee unites government departments and public agencies responsible for implementing the plan, along with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Ramaphosa assured citizens that the government is committed to implementing the plan to guarantee the delivery of running water for all South Africans, regardless of their location.
Cabinet also commended the launch of the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, unveiled on International Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July 2026, alongside the rollout of 67 decentralised water supply schemes in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. These schemes, comprising boreholes and package water treatment plants, aim to expand access to safe drinking water in unserved rural communities lacking reliable water services.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of Wednesday's Cabinet meeting in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that the projects represent the first phase of the Department of Water and Sanitation's National Water Access Acceleration Programme, implemented through water boards under the Water Services Act. "More than R200 million has been allocated to Phase One of the programme, combining borehole drilling, groundwater development, spring protection, rainwater harvesting, and rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure to expand access to safe drinking water," the Minister highlighted.
As part of a broader public infrastructure investment programme, the government earlier this year allocated R156 billion to water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years. This investment will support the expansion and maintenance of water infrastructure, improve supply reliability, and address water and sanitation challenges affecting communities across the country.
Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the publication of the draft Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services for a 60-day public comment period. The reviewed framework sets sector targets, responds to emerging challenges and developments, and aligns the sector with national priorities and global best practices. "It emphasises climate resilience, environmental integration, financial sustainability, urban-rural vulnerability gaps, digital transformation, and improved sector planning and delivery. The strategy is intended to strengthen sector governance, improve planning and delivery, and support the provision of sustainable, reliable, and equitable water and sanitation services for all South Africans," the Minister said.