Cape Town: Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring long-term water security and sustainability for all South Africans, highlighting the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation, and inclusive development.
According to South African Government News Agency, speaking at the Water Security Africa Conference, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Mahlobo emphasised that addressing water security challenges requires a unified, evidence-based approach grounded in science, technology, and innovation.
‘Siloed thinking must be left behind, and an integrated, multi-sectoral response is essential to ensure equitable water access and effective water management,’ Mahlobo said. The Deputy Minister underscored the significance of unlocking the full water value chain in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which seeks to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation.
He also called for the adoption of a circular water economy, where every drop of water is seen as a valuable resource. The Deputy Minister further called for a shift in mindset, urging South Africans to see all water, whether rainwater, stormwater, or wastewater, as a valuable resource.
‘There is no such thing as wastewater, only wasted water. The ‘One Water’ (reduce, reuse, and recycle) approach challenges us to manage all water sources in a holistic and sustainable way. We must embrace reuse, recycling, regeneration, and water-sensitive design as core principles,’ Mahlobo said.
Addressing the pressing need for increased water availability, Mahlobo highlighted the importance of groundwater use and rainwater harvesting, particularly in underserved communities. However, he warned of the risks posed by pollution and inadequate sanitation, which threaten these vital sources.
The Deputy Minister called on stakeholders across all sectors, including government, private sector, academic, and civil society sectors, to join forces and invest in transformative solutions. ‘Water security is not just a national issue; it is a global imperative. We cannot meet today’s challenges with yesterday’s methods. Our National Water and Sanitation Master Plan outlines the way forward driven by technology, innovation, and skilled professionals.
‘This is not a task for the government alone. It demands collective ownership, bold ambition, and strategic investment. This forum is a key step toward building a water-secure future for all South Africans,’ he said.
The Water Security Africa Conference, taking place from 20-21 May 2025, is a focal point for commercial, industrial, and public sector operations, bringing together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators to address the pressing need for clean, reliable, and sustainable water supply. The event is being held under the theme: ‘Delivering Water Security and Sustainability For All; A Vision of Inclusive Development’.