SA National Government Directory Independent, not a government site

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)

National Department · Economic Infrastructure and Development

The Department of Water and Sanitation is the custodian of South Africa’s water resources. Under the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), national government holds the country’s water in trust for the nation, and the department exercises that trusteeship.

It allocates and licenses water use, plans and builds national water resource infrastructure such as dams and transfer schemes, regulates water quality, and oversees the water services that municipalities deliver to households. It also administers the water use authorisation system that governs agriculture, mining and industry.

The water boards, including Rand Water, Umgeni-uThukela Water and Magalies Water, together with the Water Research Commission and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, fall within its portfolio.

Audit record, 5 years

2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Clean Audit improving 1 of 5 audited years clean

Leadership, 16 listed

Minister
Ms Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina
Deputy Minister
Mr Jack Bloom Mr Mbangiseni David Mahlobo
Director General
Dr Sean Phillips
Chief of Staff
Mr Sakhumzi Somyo
Chief Financial Officer
Mr Frans Moatshe
Deputy Directors General
Ms Nthabiseng Fundakubi Ms Lindiwe Lusenga Mr Livhuwani Mabuda Dr Risimati Mathye Dr Moloko Matlala Mr Xolani Zwane
Senior Management
Adv Thanduxolo Nkala Mr Vusimuzi Sekgobela
Communications Officers
Ms Wisane Mavasa Mr Cornelius Monama

Entities reporting to this one, 11

Description written for this directory from the entity’s own published sources: www.dws.gov.za, www.gov.za