The NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF) has entered into a strategic partnership with the UK government to implement the UK–South Africa Municipal Water Partnership, an initiative aimed at improving water security, reducing water losses, and strengthening the operational performance of municipalities across South Africa.
South Africa continues to face mounting water challenges driven by aging infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, and financial constraints that limit the ability of many municipalities to provide reliable water services. National estimates indicate that Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels exceed 40%, resulting in major water losses, revenue erosion, and growing service backlogs.
The NBF initiative delivered in partnership with the UK Government targets these systemic issues through focused Water Demand Management and Conservation interventions in key municipalities including Johannesburg, Polokwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay.
The project is funded by the UK Government’s Urban Resilience Programme, underscoring the shared commitment between South Africa and the United Kingdom to promote Partnership, Progress, and Prosperity in the water sector.
A Model for Sustainable Impact
The programme will support municipalities in improving leak detection, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing metering accuracy, and adopting digital tools that strengthen planning and decision-making.
A central feature of the partnership is the establishment of a Non-Revenue Water Fund, a revolving mechanism that reinvests savings from water-loss reductions into future improvements – creating a sustainable, long-term model for water resilience and service reliability.
Peter Varndell, CEO of the NEPAD Business Foundation, said: “This partnership marks an important milestone in our mission to strengthen municipal water resilience and ensure that communities across South Africa have access to reliable, sustainable water services.
By tackling non-revenue water, we are addressing both a critical environmental challenge and an economic one – turning water savings into financial sustainability and job opportunities. We are grateful for the UK Government’s partnership and confidence in our work.”
Alyssa Jooste, Private-sector Co-Chairperson of the Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN), said: “Public–private collaboration is essential to solving South Africa’s water crisis. The partnership between the NBF and the UK-FCDO demonstrates the kind of coordinated practical action our water sector urgently needs. By combining technical expertise, international support, and strong local partnerships, this initiative brings real momentum to the national effort to reduce water losses and strengthen municipalities.”
The SWPN, hosted by the NBF, developed the No Drop Programme together with the Department of Water and Sanitation and piloted the first non-revenue water municipal partnership in Polokwane. On the back of that success, the model was replicated in Nelson Mandela Bay and has shown that it can be applied in other municipalities as well.
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, added: “The UK is proud to partner with the NEPAD Business Foundation in driving innovative and sustainable solutions to South Africa’s water challenges. This initiative supports our shared vision of inclusive development and climate resilience in cities. Through the UK–SA Municipal Water Partnership, we aim to empower municipalities to manage water more efficiently and strengthen communities through job creation and improved services.”
Driving Change Through Partnership
The collaboration aligns with South Africa’s national water priorities and strengthens the relationship between government, business, development partners, and civil society through the Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN). It also contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and supports broader climate-resilience objectives.
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About the NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF)
The NBF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing sustainable economic development through multi-sector partnerships across Africa. Through programmes in water, energy, infrastructure, and trade, the NBF drives practical solutions that align with national and regional priorities.
About the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
The FCDO leads the United Kingdom’s international development and diplomatic engagements, supporting global efforts to reduce poverty, strengthen institutions, and build climate resilience.
Media Enquiries:
NEPAD Business Foundation
Email: info@thenbf.co.za | Tel: +27 (0)11 785 3982
British High Commission Pretoria
Email:media.southafrica@fcdo.gov.uk
This project was funded by the UK government. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
