The African Union-AIP Water Investment Summit 2025 held in Cape Town proved largely successful, raising US$10 billion in investment commitments for the continent.

However, water infrastructure investment needs to be equally matched by investment in skills and professionalisation within both the water sector and its external support partners. Infrastructure investment is critical, but without the right skills, it’s an exercise in futility.

The human factor

Days before the summit, President Ramaphosa presided over the opening of the new System 5A Water Purification Plant at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Station in Vereeniging. The plant adds 600 million litres of potable water per day – enough to supply 2.4 million people.

“We are celebrating the completion of a vital piece of infrastructure, and we are affirming our shared commitment to continuously provide clean, reliable and safe water,” he said.

It’s a commitment that must be backed by sufficient capacity and skills. Capacity is about the right mix of people, processes and policies, while skills are about professionals possessing standards-based expertise to perform effectively. There must be ample skills in three categories:

1. Leadership
2. Management across departments
3. Technical expertise within water operations.

Each is equally important and interdependent. Leaders in the water sector are not necessarily water experts. They are decision makers, finance managers and administrators who depend on the expertise of technical professionals.

Professionalisation and training

Regulation 3630, gazetted on 3 June 2023, requires that water services works be supervised by at least a Class V process controller. Professionals of this class and above must register with WISA, meet membership standards, and pursue continuous professional development (CPD). Lower classes must also continue education independently.

Yet there is resistance. Most process controllers work in municipalities and, despite having until 1 July 2025 to register, many have not. This stems from ignorance, budgetary resistance by decision makers, and reluctance from individuals themselves. Councillors and managers often oppose the relatively small training costs. Some individuals fear not meeting or maintaining the standard.

These concerns are misplaced – maintaining skills costs less than repairing failed infrastructure, and professionalisation is not an obstacle but a career enhancer.
A boon to the water sector

Regulation 3630 promotes accountability, transparency and performance – something many process controllers want. They are finally being acknowledged as professionals, like engineers and scientists.

The Blue Drop and Green Drop reports also show a direct correlation between municipal performance and capacity.

So yes, water investment is welcome, but people are just as critical as pipes and plants. South Africa must invest in both to secure water resilience.
I invite municipalities and process controllers to engage WISA, air their concerns and understand the real benefits of professionalisation.

By Dr Lester Goldman, CEO, WISA