Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025

of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership. We have placed a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, digital innovation, and inclusive growth, recognising that water is not only a fundamental human right but also a strategic enabler of economic resilience and social equity. The Board exercised oversight over significant infrastructure initiatives, particularly the Station 5A Water Treatment Plant, which endeavours to enhance water supply capacity and resilience. We diligently monitored operational disruptions resulting from intermittent electricity supply, including incidents at the Mapleton and Eikenhof Booster Pumping Station, and assisted in the formulation of contingency plans to mitigate these risks and ensure the uninterrupted service provision. Rand Water’s primary mandate is to guarantee the continuous supply of bulk potable water to municipalities, industries, and communities. This obligation has necessitated meticulous planning and implementation of maintenance activities. Throughout the reporting period, substantial advancements were achieved in the rehabilitation and maintenance of essential bulk pipelines, pumping stations, and storage reservoirs across Gauteng and adjacent provinces. Preventative maintenance schedules were meticulously followed and even surpassed expectations, demonstrating a proactive approach to infrastructure management. The success of maintenance initiatives is underpinned by strategic partnerships with municipalities, national and provincial governments, and the private sector. Rand Water has prioritised direct engagement with municipal technical teams to coordinate shutdowns, expedite repair timelines, and facilitate the transfer of operational knowledge. This collaborative approach reflects the nationally endorsed “adopt-a-municipality” ethos and has significantly improved both the efficiency and quality of maintenance operations. As Chairperson, I represented Rand Water in high-level engagements with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Premiers, Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and municipal leadership to address water challenges in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. I have participated in various Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) forums. The Board advocated for intergovernmental collaboration to tackle illegal water connections, infrastructure vandalism, and municipal debt, which reached R7.8 billion during the reporting period. These efforts were critical in fostering partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of water services.

Municipal debt to water boards has now surpassed R28 billion, posing a significant threat to infrastructure sustainability and eroding public trust. Service interruptions and deferred maintenance are often symptomatic of broader governance challenges at the municipal level, issues that remain of concern to the sector under the leadership of the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA), which I am honoured to lead. Legislative clarity and independent regulatory oversight are essential to reversing this trend and ensuring that maintenance budgets are allocated effectively. I participated in both international and national deliberations regarding water security and sustainability, including forums organised by AWSISA. I articulated Rand Water’s stance as a self-funded public entity dedicated to service excellence and innovation, thereby enhancing our reputation as a leader within the water industry both locally and internationally. The Board expresses its gratitude for the strategic leadership, unwavering support and ongoing engagement extended by the Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation. Her valuable insights continue to provide strategic guidance and direction to the organisation. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow Board members, our executive management team led by the Group Chief Executive, employees, government partners, and communities for their dedication and collaboration. Your contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mandate and reinforcing Rand Water’s position as a trusted and future-fit institution. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and clarity. The future demands bold leadership, adaptive strategies, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Rand Water is ready to meet this moment, and the Board stands united in its resolve to guide the organisation toward a future where every drop of water contributes to a thriving society and equitable access to water. The Board recognises the need to collaborate with the Executives, led by the Group Chief Executive, as well as with internal and external stakeholders to achieve its strategic objectives.

Mr. Ramateu Monyokolo Chairperson of the Board

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Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025