South Africa’s water sector lost nearly R19 billion in 2023/24 due to leaks, illegal connections and billing issues, Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke’s report reveals. With 47% of treated water wasted before reaching users amid ageing infrastructure and governance failures, the findings underscore the urgency behind the National Water Crisis Committee launched in February.
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke’s report on the water value chain details R18.98 billion in losses for 2023/24, including R14.89 billion from physical water losses. Gauteng bore R6.9 billion and KwaZulu-Natal R3.45 billion—over 70% of the total. More than half of audited water service authorities exceeded the 30% loss threshold, with 92% in KZN failing.
Key drivers include poor maintenance of ageing infrastructure, lack of leak detection, faulty meters and staff shortages. Water tanker spending hit R2.32 billion, with R420 million irregular; examples include Mogalakwena Local Municipality’s R11.36 million payment without delivery proof and Sol Plaatje’s R1.66 million doubled bill.
Since 2019, 131 material irregularities caused R1.76 billion in losses, with only one in five resolved. These have led to community harm via pollution at sites like Tshwane’s Rooiwal plant and eThekwini’s Umbilo works. Interventions target eMalahleni and Ngwathe.
These revelations follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s February 2026 announcement of the National Water Crisis Committee (see prior coverage), which he chairs alongside ministers Pemmy Majodina, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Velenkosini Hlabisa. It coordinates responses, advances the Water Services Amendment Bill and oversees a R54 billion grant. Critics including ActionSA and the DA doubt its impact, with the DA seeking details via PAIA ahead of a 30 April meeting.
