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Following Cabinet’s concurrence on the 13th of September 2023, the newly reconfigured uMngeni-uThukela Water has a new Board. The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, along with Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, met with the new Board in Kwa-Zulu Natal today, to amongst others, orientate them on what is expected of them in line with their mandate. The newly appointed 12-member Board comprises of individuals who collectively possess Science, Engineering, Law, Accounting and Finance competencies, and is led by Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo as the Chairperson, with Ms Noluthando Mkhize as the Deputy Chairperson. 

The Minister commenced with the reconfiguration of Water Boards as per the provisions outlined in Section 28 of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997). Mhlathuze Water was disestablished on the 30th of June 2023 with all its staff, assets and liabilities transferred to Umgeni Water, effective on the 1st of July 2023, in terms of Section 46 of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997). Shortly thereafter, the processes to appoint a new Board were embarked upon. The new Board’s term of Office effectively commences on the 1st of October 2023 and will be for a duration of four years. 

In addition to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, the other newly appointed Board Members are: 

• Ms Senamile Masango
• Mr Khanyisani Shandu
• Ms Sylvia Mhlongo
• Mr Lavandran Gopaul
• Ms Hlengiwe Mvubu
• Mr Timothy Cornish 
• Ms Diana Hoorzuk
• Mr Sipho Mtolo
• Mr Kwazikwenkosi Mshengu 
• Mr Sibusiso Mkhize 

Addressing the new Board, Minister Mchunu emphasised the obligations placed on the Department of Water and Sanitation and its entities by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, in providing the basic rights to water and basic sanitation, stating the following: “The Constitution of the Republic states water as a right as well as a healthy environment, through basic sanitation. There is going to be resistance as you go about your tasks. Our quest, as a collective, is to go where people do not have water and sanitation – as basic rights – and that is our priority”.  

The Minister further alluded to the reforms underway by the Department to ensure sustainability of the water sector and the urgent need to ensure that the necessary support is given to ailing municipalities. In providing guidance on organisational issues, the Minister requested the Board to prioritise the appointment of a Chief Executive, as the entity has been without one for over two years.  The Minister wished the Board well and concluded his remarks by reiterating the Ministry and Department’s unwavering support to the Board as they prepare to serve the residents of KwaZulu Natal.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation