South Africa’s water crisis is not due to a lack of knowledge, but to poor implementation, weak maintenance, and failing infrastructure, says award-winning water expert Professor Sylvester Mpandeli from Sibasa.
Mpandeli, a University of Venda alumnus, received six awards on 27 March at the Water Research Commission Employee Recognition Awards for his global work in water research and climate resilience.
“South Africa has good policies, but implementation remains a problem. This affects service delivery in both urban and rural areas,” he said.
In Limpopo, particularly in Vhembe, many communities still struggle with water access despite years of investment. Mpandeli said the province remains among the hardest hit in a country already ranked among the driest in the world. His work focuses on developing technologies to improve water use and support agriculture in water-scarce areas.
However, he said poor infrastructure management is undermining progress. “Operation and maintenance in the water sector are very poor. Ageing infrastructure is worsening the problem, with leaks, illegal connections, and water quality issues caused by pollution,” he said.
South Africa is losing between 37% and 40% of its water through leaks, placing further strain on limited resources. His comments come as communities in Limpopo continue to face shortages despite billions spent on major projects such as Giyani and Nandoni, raising concerns about planning, oversight, and accountability.
“The country has resources, but planning and execution are problematic. Corruption is also a major concern,” he said.
Mpandeli said climate change is intensifying the crisis, increasing pressure on water, agriculture, and energy systems. He called for stronger accountability and community involvement.
“It is the responsibility of everyone to report leaks and protect water resources. Water is a precious commodity. You can survive without electricity, but you cannot survive without water,” he said.
Despite global recognition, Mpandeli said the real test is whether research leads to meaningful change for communities still without reliable water.