Water governance, ecosystems and sustainability: a review of progress in South Africa

Abstract

It is approaching two decades since South Africa's democratic transformation introduced a visionary approach to water resources management. The earlier challenges of water law reform have given way to the greater undertaking of implementation. This paper reviews progress in relation to 7 of the 10 key challenges of the Africa Water Vision 2025. Progress in many areas has been slow, including establishment of catchment management institutions and implementation of environmental flows. Concerns remain regarding poor water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. A significant threat is the persistent shortage of skilled water professionals.

Keywords:

• integrated water resource management
• South Africa
• water law and policy
• catchment management agency
• ecological reserve
• skills shortage

Notes

1. In a parliamentary speech on 14 April 2011, Adv. J.H. de Lange, MP, noted: “For several months now the Department has been faced with a serious leadership crisis at senior management level. Most of the top leadership of the Department are either suspended pending a disciplinary hearing (including the Director General, the Chief Financial Officer, the DDG of Corporate Services, and the Chief Information Officer) or are under investigation and removed from performing certain tasks” (de Lange 2011).