Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation began nationwide public hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill in Graskop, Mpumalanga on 14 August 2026. The Bill calls for a new mandatory licensing regime for all water service providers, minimum competency standards, stronger penalties for non-compliance, and enhanced enforcement powers for the Minister to address persistent water service failures.

Bill Seeks To Strengthen Accountability In Water Sector

The Water Services Amendment Bill introduces a 12-month compliance window after the finalisation of regulations for all water service providers to secure and maintain licences. Leon Basson, chairperson of the portfolio committee, stated that the licensing reforms would allow the Department of Water and Sanitation to revoke licences where services are inadequate and allocate them to more capable institutions.

The Bill also sets minimum professionalism requirements for operators and imposes tougher sanctions against unlicensed or underperforming providers. These reforms aim to improve the management of water infrastructure, address ongoing service quality issues, and close gaps in enforcement that have undermined accountability in the water sector.

Public Participation And Submission Deadline

The committee has emphasised that meaningful public input is essential for responsive and effective legislation. Leon Basson underlined, “Public participation is not merely a tick-box exercise. It is a constitutional imperative that ensures legislation is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.” Written submissions on the Bill are being accepted until 28 February 2026, as stated in a parliamentary notice.

The public hearings mark the first stage in a process that could lead to far-reaching changes in how water and sanitation services are regulated and delivered across South Africa. Further hearings and reviews are expected as public input is gathered and considered.