The Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN), a multi-stakeholder partnership hosted by the NEPAD Business Foundation, continues to make significant progress in efforts to improve water security in South Africa through innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Established in response to a request by the late Minister Edna Molewa in 2011, the SWPN is co-chaired by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Nestlé, representing the public and private sectors respectively. As the only government and private sector co-led water partnership acknowledged in the National Water and Sanitation Masterplan, the SWPN provides a neutral convening platform for collaboration between various stakeholders.

Highlights from the past year include:

• Signing an MoU with Johannesburg Water to establish the Johannesburg Water Partnership, a robust participation platform to address water challenges in the city.
• Signing an MoU with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and South African Breweries to establish a water partnership to solve the region’s water crisis.
• Handing over Phase 1 and 2 project reports to the City of Polokwane, aimed at developing a Water Conservation and Water Demand Management strategy to reduce water losses.
• Submitting the revitalised No Drop Programme report to the DWS, assessing water losses and efficiency trends in municipalities.
• Completing irrigation training for 549 students across 16 schools through the South African Irrigation Institute.
• Presenting the SWPN’s capabilities and progress at strategic engagements like the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce, National Platform for P4G, and the Global Change Conference.
• Commencing the Climate Smart Agriculture Project.

“The SWPN remains committed to contributing to efficient, equitable and sustainable water supply and access to water and sanitation for all South Africans,” said Michelle Proude, SWPN Programme Office. “Through our collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we are working to close the anticipated 17% gap between water supply and demand by 2030.”

With funding from the private and public sectors and donor grants, the SWPN continues to leverage opportunities for organisations facing similar water challenges and aligning its projects with national and global priorities.

For more information, please follow SWPN on LinkedIn or contact Michelle Proude at Michelle.Proude@thenbf.co.za.