The consultation process ended with a National Consultation Meeting at the OR Tambo Protea Hotel in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on August 27, 2026.
The annual process allows water users and other stakeholders to comment on proposed charges before DWS submits final recommendations to the SA Minister of Water and Sanitation for consideration and approval.
Representatives from the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, Sasol, Rand Water, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Forestry SA, DRDGold, the Crocodile River Irrigation Board and the SA Association for Water User Associations attended the meeting.
DWS presented findings from sector-specific consultations, feedback from an economic analysis of the proposed charges and the final tariffs recommended for ministerial consideration.
The proposed charges comprise Water Resource Management Charges, Water Resource Infrastructure Charges and the Water Research Levy.
Water Resource Management Charges were presented for six Catchment Management Agencies: Inkomati-Usuthu, Pongola-uMzimkhulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma, Limpopo-Olifants, Breede-Olifants and Vaal-Orange.
Water Resource Infrastructure Charges cover four sectors: Industry and Mining, Strategic Users, Municipal and Agriculture.
The Water Research Levy covers Agriculture, Streamflow Reduction Activities, and Domestic and Industry. The Domestic and Industry category includes Strategic Users, Municipal, and Industry and Mining.
DWS determines the charges under SA’s National Water Act of 1998, Public Finance Management Act of 1999 and Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges.
Section 56 of the National Water Act allows the SA Minister of Water and Sanitation, with agreement from the SA Minister of Finance, to establish a pricing strategy for water use charges.
The pricing framework supports funding for water resource management, water resource development and the use of waterworks.
DWS will submit the recommended charges to the SA Minister of Water and Sanitation following the conclusion of consultations.
Approved charges will be published in the SA Government Gazette and on the DWS website. Raw Water Use Charges will take effect on April 1, 2027, while the Water Research Levy will apply from July 1, 2027.
DWS said publication would give water users and affected stakeholders certainty for financial and operational planning during the 2027/28 financial year.
–ChannelAfrica–
