Water is at the heart of South Africa’s food security and economic future, and during a Nation in Conversation session at Nampo 2026, a panel of experts dissected contentious water and water-use issues against the backdrop of new legislation.
Under the facilitation of Dr John Purchase, former CEO of Agbiz and Grain SA, the panel discussed policy and legislation governing water use, cooperation within and among industries, and how climate change affects water availability and management.
The conversation explored risks facing the agriculture sector, the urgent need for improved infrastructure and governance, and the importance of balancing the needs of food production, industry, urban demand, and the environment.
The panel members were Gregory Smith, CEO of the South African Association for Water User Associations; Janse Rabie, legal and policy executive at AgriSA; Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz; and Prof Mike Müller, visiting adjunct professor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Graduate School of Governance, a registered professional civil engineer, and a development specialist with expertise in water governance, public policy, and infrastructure delivery.
The NWRIA, established through the NWRIA Act (No. 34 of 2024) and driven by the 2026 State of the Nation goals, is a state-owned entity responsible for developing, operating, and maintaining national water infrastructure. It aims to build and manage bulk infrastructure, such as dams and pipelines, to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply.
WATER RIGHTS AND REGULATORY DEBATE
The transfer of water rights remains a widely discussed topic. Rabie said the fact that the Constitutional Court of South Africa affirmed AgriSA’s view on the need to transfer water-use entitlements in accordance with Section 25 of the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) is good news.
“The ability to transfer entitlements from one person to another, and from one property to another, is crucial to water-use efficiency, the value of farmland, and property entitlements in general. To that end, this judgment vindicates our steadfast resistance to government’s continued assault on property entitlements,” he added.
Müller encouraged farmers to use water productively. “Farmers who still resist the new idea of water licensing will do so to their own detriment. The principle is that farmers must use the water or lose it, but if they can show that they are utilising water efficiently, it cannot be taken away.”
He noted that farmers should develop a comprehensive water management plan that includes regular monitoring of water use, the implementation of water-saving technologies, and keeping up to date with new conservation methods. Collaboration with local agricultural bodies and participation in water conservation programmes can also provide valuable insights and resources.
By adopting these techniques and technologies, farmers can minimise water waste, improve crop yields, and contribute to the sustainability of their farms and the environment.
CLIMATE CHANGE, FLOODING, AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Looking at the impact of climate change, Müller pointed out that changes in climate may not only reduce rainfall at times but also intensify rainfall, as the Western Cape recently experienced. A warmer climate can increase evaporation and transpiration, resulting in more moisture in the system and heavier rainfall.
“The question is: how do we manage our systems to capture and manage excessive rainfall? We need to look at our infrastructure so that we are better able to deal with floods,” he explained.
Müller stressed the importance of planning for the future and developing systems that can capture water during periods of high rainfall so that it is available for drier times.
He also argued that flood damage in certain areas was not only the result of excessive rainfall but also urban development.
“The run-off from roofs and roads is much greater than when rain falls on grass and vegetation. When planning development, this must be taken into account.”
He concluded by warning that the maintenance of infrastructure should be non-negotiable. “If we do not maintain infrastructure such as drainage pipes and gutters, roads will flood and be damaged.”
