Interested parties will meet at the Birchwood Hotel in Gauteng on Friday to discuss the final Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services (SFWSS).
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, this national seminar is an important step to ensure that the final framework reflects the priorities and experiences of municipalities, government institutions, water sector participants, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the public.
The proposals presented are expected to form a basis capable of responding to sector challenges and supporting sustainable water supply and sanitation across South Africa. DWS will hold the national consultation on SFWSS on Friday. This seminar follows provincial consultations held nationwide and will bring together key stakeholders to consolidate proposals, address transversal issues, and approve initiatives to finalize the framework's development.
SFWSS is intended to provide clear strategic guidance for the water and sanitation sector, strengthening governance, coordination, and the quality of services provided. The Cabinet considered the draft framework on July 21, 2026, and approved the commencement of public consultations.
Pollution Issues
In a separate matter, Dr. Jack Bloom, Deputy Minister of DWS, stated that municipalities must pay more attention to preventing pollution and must clean up polluted rivers under the 'polluter pays' principle. Bloom made these statements after visiting polluted rivers in Rustenburg and Ventersdorp in the North West province.
He noted that proper maintenance, early warning systems, and armed security are necessary to prevent sewage discharges. Furthermore, damage already inflicted on affected rivers must be remediated. Bloom mentioned the pumping station on Arnoldistad Road, where sewage is discharged into a stream feeding the Hex River, which flows into the Bospoort Dam, a source of drinking water for Rustenburg.
He added that in August 2022, DWS sent a notification to the municipality of its intention to issue a directive regarding sewage discharges from three pumping stations in the area. Bloom reported that the pumping capacity at the Arnoldistad Road station was increased two years ago to address this issue, but a transformer and cables were stolen, and damage from foreign objects thrown into the sewer was discovered.
"The pumps are now serviced, and the municipality states they will be operational by October 30, 2026. Three armed guards and an electric fence will be installed, but this may not be enough to prevent cable theft," he said.