Last week, top leaders – including the President, Deputy President, and the Minister of Water and Sanitation – along with industry experts from both the public and private sectors, gathered in Midrand for a high-impact two-day Water and Sanitation Indaba. The Infrastructure News team was on the ground, capturing key insights.

Here are some standout quotes from sector leaders:

“This Indaba must not become an exercise of problem-diagnosing: The challenges are well-known. What is needed is course correction – and a comprehensive plan that will expand access to water and sanitation services, improve the quality of water and sanitation infrastructure, and bring stability and good governance to all the entities involved in South Africa’s water stewardship.”

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa

“South Africa’s consumption of 218ℓ per capita per day exceeded the international average of 173ℓ per capita per day. We are a water stressed country, among the 30 driest in the word, we need to tackle our infrastructure problems, municipal debt, organised crime, and non-revenue water if we are to realise our water security goals.”

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina

“This Indaba is about action. As the president and minister Majodina have said, we know the problems, now it is time to act on those problems. This indaba’s resolutions will be checked and monitored if we are to improve the municipal situation.”

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo

“The water sector in South Africa has many challenges and changes are required if we are going to get out of the current downward spiral of municipal water services. We need to build consensus with the different spheres of government around those changes. I am hoping to also nail down some of the finer details around the areas that need more work to successfully implement these changes.”

Dr. Sean Philips, Director General, Department of Water and Sanitation

“We know the water sector’s challenges and we know what needs to be done. uMngeni-uThukela Water, is hoping that the Indaba will facilitate the better implementation of these plans.”

Sandile Psychology Mkhize, chief executive, uMngeni-uThukela Water

“We are hoping this Indaba will adopt rapid solutions for the water crisis. South Africa Water Works is looking to help municipalities fix and turn around the water services as this unlocks further investment and creates jobs. I am really encouraged that this Indaba took place a few days after the State of the Nation Address and that the president himself was at the Indaba.”

Shyam Misra, Group MD, South African Water Works

“There are so many great innovations and technologies that can help tackle water and sanitation issues. Arumloo is one such technology that is designed for the people in South Africa, manufactured by people in South Africa. Low flush toilets can achieve phenomenal water savings and gives increased access to sanitation. We want to get these toilets to where they are needed. This is a cost saving technology and can make a significant impact.”

Johnny Harris, CEO, Arumloo

“Instead of relying solely on massive treatment plants, container based sanitation can ease the burden. These decentralised, modular, on-site systems treat waste where it’s generated – without the need for expensive sewer infrastructure. Perfect for schools, healthcare facilities, informal settlements, and disaster-prone areas. I am hoping this Indaba will facilitate the fast uptake of these solutions.”

Birger Lundgren, CEO and Founder, Sanitation Ambassadors

“We are seeing a shift in the approach towards tackling water and sanitation challenges and are looking forward to greater action on the ground and are looking forward to being part of that.”

Rowan McDonald, environmental treatment specialist, BluePlanet South Africa

“This is the second Indaba that I have attended, and I like the fact that there is a diverse group of water professionals and exhibitors this time around. We have really enjoyed showcasing our trenchless technologies to various municipalities.”

Lorraine Mooi, board member, South African Society for Trenchless Technology (SASTT)