South Africa has taken a decisive step in the fight against corruption with the official launch of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (WSACF). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to confront corruption risks in one of the country’s most vulnerable and vital sectors—water.
Rooted in Pillar Six of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), the WSACF aims to reduce unethical behaviour and mismanagement in the water sector through targeted risk management strategies and robust enforcement mechanisms. The forum’s establishment follows extensive investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which uncovered significant irregularities across 14 proclamations related to the Department of Water and Sanitation—eight of which have been concluded, with five still underway.
The forum also reflects South Africa’s commitment to international anti-corruption efforts, aligning with Priority Three of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG), which promotes inclusive participation from government, business, civil society, and academia.
The WSACF is a collaborative platform that unites law enforcement, public and private sector representatives, Chapter 9 institutions, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and water conservation groups. This whole-of-society approach ensures accountability and transparency in the fight against corruption while strengthening the country’s ability to manage its critical water resources.
The forum’s key objectives include:
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Supporting anti-corruption efforts specific to the water sector,
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Enhancing collaboration among stakeholders,
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Coordinating law enforcement for stronger investigative capacity,
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Delivering tangible results such as prosecutions and recoveries,
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Promoting oversight and accountability within anti-corruption agencies.
The WSACF is the latest in a series of successful sector-specific anti-corruption forums, following in the footsteps of the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (HSACF), Infrastructure & Built Environment Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF), Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum (LGACF), and the recently launched Border Management & Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF).
These forums have been credited with improving institutional transparency and accountability, and the lessons learned—such as the need to improve case turnaround times and enhance stakeholder engagement—have been incorporated into the WSACF’s approach.
The initiative is also closely aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and supports the global Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for clean water and sanitation for all.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, has welcomed the formation of the forum, noting that it will bolster the Department’s existing corruption prevention strategy and provide a unified response to governance challenges in the sector.
The WSACF is now calling on water organisations, environmental groups, researchers, activists, and community stakeholders to join the forum and contribute to building a corruption-free water sector.
To become a member, interested parties are encouraged to email their name and organisation details to info@siu.org.za.
