The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is in the process of concluding the establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs), this is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) and National Water Policy for South Africa.
The purpose of the Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making and to involve stakeholders in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu finalised the appointment of Board members of the Pongolo – Umzimkhulu and the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency which was concurred by Cabinet on the 15 November 2023.
The appointed Board Members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu are Dr.Thava Kelly (Chairperson), Mr Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Ms Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Mr Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr.Lembi William Mngoma, Ms Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Prof. Purshottama Reddy, Mr Mdandla Myeni and Ms Nokuthula Khanyile.
In as far as Vaal Orange is concerned, the following board members were appointed; Mr Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Ms Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Mr Hubert Thompson, Ms Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Mr Nakana Masoka, Ms Ponatshego Mothibi, Ms Doris Dondur, Ms Dichikane Mashego and Mr Louis Van Oudtshoom.
The Board as an Accounting Authority will operationalize the CMAs which will include developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.
In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision making around water resources management and create a customer focused culture for water resources management which creates accountability at a local level for water resources management.
The Department would like to congratulate the new board members and wish them well in their endeavours.
For more information, contact Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 060 561 8935 / mavasaw@dws.gov.za
