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Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered a virtual address on 10 November 2025 during the AWSISA Africa and Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue. Speaking to delegates from across Africa and abroad, he called for stronger cooperation and practical solutions to secure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
What Happened
The AWSISA Dialogue, themed “Towards Sustainable Water and Sanitation Security in Africa,” brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders. The goal was to share strategies for protecting the continent’s most valuable resource water.
Mashatile said the timing of the gathering was critical as Africa faces increasing pressure from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and weak service systems. He reminded delegates that “water is life and sanitation is dignity” a principle that drives human well-being and economic stability.
He also noted that sustainable water management supports vital sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, which depend on a reliable water supply.
Key Challenges Facing Africa’s Water Sector
- Water Scarcity and Climate Stress
South Africa receives an average annual rainfall of 497mm, which is less than half the global average. According to Mashatile, climate change is intensifying droughts and floods. Events like the Cape Town “Day Zero” crisis and KwaZulu-Natal floods show how extreme weather can damage infrastructure and reduce water quality.
- Ageing Infrastructure
Many municipal systems are old and under-maintained, causing water losses of up to 50% in some areas. To fix this, government introduced the Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Act (2024) to improve coordination and funding.
- Governance and Skills Shortages
Poor accountability and a lack of technical skills in municipalities have led to untreated wastewater entering rivers and inconsistent service delivery. The National Water Safety Management Programme aims to recruit 15,000 skilled professionals by 2030 to fill the gap.
Official Response
Mashatile said government is expanding infrastructure grants and public-private partnerships to improve efficiency and service quality in the water sector.
“This dialogue must lead to practical, outcome-focused solutions,” he said. “It should strengthen accountability, promote innovation, and secure long-term investment.”
He stressed that progress depends on adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, including smart water systems, automation, and digital twin modelling. These tools, he explained, help monitor water use in real time, predict risks, and improve planning.
Furthermore, he urged African nations to share frameworks, resources, and standards to cut costs and strengthen regional cooperation.
Community Impact and the Way Forward
Mashatile appealed to communities and local leaders to take deliberate action to reduce water loss, reuse water, and protect the environment. Such actions, he said, are vital for both public health and economic growth.
He also connected South Africa’s strategy to Africa’s Water Vision 2063, which promotes regional unity over fragmented national efforts.
“Access to water and sanitation is not a privilege it is a human right,” he concluded. “Together, we can build a future where every African enjoys clean, safe water. Together, Africa will rise.”
