South Africa water SWAp: one strategy, one workplan, one report

The South African sector wide approach (SWAp) started in 2001 in the water and sanitation services sub-sector. Only after six years it extended to include the water resources sector. Although South Africa had good water legislation and water policies in place at the time the SWAp commenced, there was still a need for a revised water and sanitation policy to reflect the demands of the MDGs and institutional changes associated with decentralisation. Development of the new policy became part of the SWAp where all stakeholders participated in the policy making process. As a result the policy was owned not only by the water sector but also by local government who are key to the successful implementation of the policy.

“We make it our business to take ownership of every water and sanitation policy, plan, strategy”

“We don’t call it a sector wide approach, we call it Masibambane – this means “Let’s work together”. For us it is everyone, not just the water people. Actually without us, local government, they would not have a sector, because we are a very big player in this sector.

We make it our business to take ownership of every water and sanitation policy, plan, strategy, because after all, we have to implement them. Treasury must be there – they are the ones who decide the national budget, and they need to hear what the priorities are, and the donors are there too, for the same reason, but also as our partners with a commitment to our policies and goals.

This collaborative approach is getting broader now, as we are meeting with the water sector and local government across our borders, and seeing how we can work together to learn lessons and to support each other, especially with the MDGs. I think it used to be the Department of Water Affairs that owned the process, the policies and so on, but not any more. They lead the process, but we all have ownership. Sometimes I think we have more ownership than they do because we implement and we are accountable to the communities.”

Quote from a South African Local Government Association representative.