Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPO

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS Media outlets continue to play a pivotal role in disseminating information and shaping public discourse. During the year under review, Rand Water actively strengthened its media relations strategy by cultivating new partnerships and reinforcing existing relationships with both national and local media platforms. These efforts were aimed at enhancing public understanding of Rand Water’s operational activities and its critical role within the broader water supply value chain. Through strategic media engagement, the organisation ensured that accurate, timely, and relevant information reached diverse audiences across the country. During the reporting period, Rand Water undertook a comprehensive media engagement strategy aimed at enhancing public awareness, fostering transparency, and reinforcing the organisation’s reputation within the water sector. Table 12: Public Engagements Engagement Platform Description Media Interviews

A total of 83 interviews were successfully arranged and conducted across national and local media platforms, including print, broadcast, and online outlets. These interviews addressed critical issues such as escalating municipal debt, the safety of tap water, infrastructure vandalism, excessive water consumption, water conservation, and infrastructure maintenance. Rand Water convened six (6) formal media briefings, chaired by the Group Chief Executive, to provide updates on water consumption trends and the status of bulk water supply. Notable briefings included: • Rand Water Talks Symposium – A multi-stakeholder dialogue on water security in South Africa. • Major Infrastructure Maintenance Overview – Covering a two-month maintenance programme. • Ministerial Oversight Visits – To Station 5 Water Purification Plant, • and Eikenhof Booster Pumping Station. • Joint Media Briefing – With the Cities of Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Johannesburg Water, and Rand Water. • Gauteng Water Imbizo – Attended by the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and various municipalities. Rand Water launched targeted educational campaigns to promote awareness and positive profiling: • Encroachment Message Campaign – Broadcast on seven (7) local radio stations across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Free State. • Community Newspaper Outreach – Published in 15 local newspapers in Gauteng. • Feature Articles – Nine (9) articles published in various print and online publications, contributing to a positive public image. Engagements were held with five (5) media outlets, including one (1) national newspaper, to strengthen relationships and educate the public on Rand Water’s operations and responsibilities.

Media Briefings

Rand Water Talks Symposium A multi-stakeholder dialogue on water security in South Africa. Media Campaigns and Positive Profiling

Media Engagements

127

Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025