At the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) Conference, leaders, policymakers and experts from across the continent convened to chart a path toward sustainable water and sanitation security for Africa. The event emphasises collaboration, innovation and shared accountability across the entire water and sanitation value chain.

Here are some key quotes from the opening session:

“Water and sanitation are truly matters of life and death. There are people – if we fail to make the necessary interventions, if we fail to stop the continuing decay of our water and sanitation infrastructure, and if we do not act decisively to invest in repairs and maintenance – these people’s lives will be lost. Should we allow the number of households without dependable, clean and drinkable water to continue increasing, the consequences will be tragic and irreversible. This is the magnitude of our task, all delegates and stakeholders, and especially our government officials, especially those who carry the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that when our residents open their taps, water flows, must treat this as a sacred duty.”

Councillor Thembi Msane MMC: Water and Sanitation City of Ekurhuleni

“For three days, you are not going to find out why there’s no water – we know why there’s no water. We know what the issues are. You are here to find solutions. We don’t want more resolutions or declarations; we want an action-orientated plan to come out of this.”

Minister Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation

“Water is life and sanitation is dignity. This is more than just a slogan – it is the foundation of ecosystems essential for survival and sustenance across our continent. As African nations, we share vulnerabilities caused by climate change, urbanisation and fragile institutions. Our response must be collective: to promote policy harmonisation, accelerate investment in infrastructure and technology, and harness digital transformation to ensure every person — especially the most marginalised – has access to clean water and dignified sanitation. Together, we can build a future where water is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right for all. Together, Africa will rise.”

Paul Mashatile, Deputy President, South Africa

“We stand at a pivotal moment for Africa’s water and sanitation sector — a moment to move from crisis to opportunity, from vulnerability to resilience. Our task is not simply to talk, but to act. We must build infrastructure that can withstand the realities of climate change, strengthen governance and accountability, and professionalise every level of the value chain. Collaboration is no longer optional — municipalities, water boards, and catchment management agencies must unite to create a sector that is innovative, digitally enabled, and financially sustainable. Together, we can turn our collective challenges into a shared legacy of inclusion, sustainability and water security for generations to come.”

Ramateo Monyokolo, chairperson of AWSISA and Rand Water

“At a time when we face serious and unprecedented challenges in water and sanitation service delivery, we need strong leadership, bold actions and new ways of doing things. Organisations like AWSISA have an important, catalytic role to play in mobilising, galvanising and leading the sector with best-in-class partners to overcome challenges and deliver real impact for communities. The theme of this event — towards sustainable water and sanitation services — is critical for human wellbeing, food security and economic development. We must find solutions and mobilise action for impact, to accelerate and sustain service delivery for all South Africans and Africans on the continent.”

Professor Hamanth Kasan, president, IWA

 

“We must move beyond siloed efforts and mindsets. True progress depends on co-creation — among utilities, research institutions, industry, civil society and government. We must collaborate in research, in innovation, and in developing solutions that are specific to African realities. At Rand Water, our services, training and capacity-building initiatives — through our Scientific Services, Rand Water Academy and Foundations — are designed with this in mind. These are not our platforms; they are Africa’s platforms. We invite utilities across the continent to engage, to train with us, to benchmark with us — because we too wish to learn from you, regardless of your size or location. We call on academia to partner with us, and on government and policymakers to create the enabling frameworks that make collaboration possible. The challenges are great, but the potential is far greater if we embrace a networked, innovation-driven, partnership-centric approach. Rand Water stands ready to co-create, to share our infrastructure, expertise, and global research partnerships in pursuit of an African, solution-driven path — one defined by sustainability, resilience and shared legacy.”

Sipho Mosai, chief executive, Rand Water

“Finland stands ready to collaborate and innovate — to transform water from a source of risk and vulnerability into a foundation for peace, resilience, and prosperity. Guided by our international water strategy, we promote integrated resource management, equitable access, and water diplomacy as tools for sustainable development. Across Africa, from South Africa to Kenya, Lesotho, and Namibia, we are working with governments, researchers and industry partners to turn shared expertise into practical results — reducing non-revenue water, improving sanitation, and strengthening the circular economy. The scale of today’s challenges demands global solidarity, shared responsibility, and inclusive action, but with long-term commitment, cooperation can make water a wellspring of peace and sustainability.”

Pasi Hellman, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland