The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will convene a sector-specific consultation on the Raw Water Use Charges for the 2027/28 financial year on Thursday, 13 August 2026, in Pretoria.
The consultation is an important part of the Department’s annual process of setting Raw Water Use Charges. It gives water-user sectors a chance to have their say, raise concerns and share their views on the proposed charges before they are finalised and implemented.
The determination of Raw Water Use Charges is undertaken within the legislative and policy framework governing water pricing in South Africa, including the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), (Act No. 1 of 1999), and Raw Water Pricing Strategy established in terms of section 56(1) of the National Water Act, (Act No. 36 of 1998).
The consultation provides a dedicated platform for representatives of different water-user sectors to deliberate on the proposed charges and related matters, and to present their positions before recommendations are finalised and submitted to the Minister of Water and Sanitation for consideration and approval.
Representatives from the following organisations will formally present their positions on the Raw Water Use Charges:
- uMngeni-uThukela Water
- AgriCulture South Africa (AgriSA)
- African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA)
- South African Association for Water User Associations (SAAFWUA)
- Forestry South Africa (Forestry SA)
- South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
The 2027/28 Raw Water Use Charges are based on the revised Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges.
Members of the media are invited to attend as follows:
Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Protea Hotel, Pretoria Hatfield.
For media confirmations please contact Ms Nthabiseng Dhlamini on 082 878 6915 / dhlaminin@dws.gov.za
For more information, contact Ms Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 060 561 8935 / mavasaw@dws.gov.za
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