Based on rising population, economic growth projections, and current efficiency levels, demand for water in South Africa is expected to rise by 17.7 billion m³ in 2030 while water supply is projected to amount to 15 billion m³, representing a 17% gap between water supply and demand (or a 2.7–3.8 billion m³ water deficit). This gap is critical, and if sustainable socio-economic growth is to be envisioned, such a gap has to be dealt with decisively over this period.
South Africa will have to resolve tough trade-offs between agriculture, key industrial activities such as mining and power generation, and large and growing urban centers. These trade-offs can cause tension and conflict among water users. No actor alone has the ability to solve these challenges, but much can be achieved if water users work together to identify shared solutions and implement strategies, policies, plans, and programs.
Water Challenges
17% gap between water demand and practically available water supply by 2030
Agricultural water demand, which accounts for 61% of overall water use, is driven by irrigation, which has water losses of about 30%.
The mining sector contributes 18% to South Africa’s GDP; however, it also contributes to water pollution and generates excess mine water and acid mine drainage with high levels of contaminants.
An estimated 37% of the water in South Africa’s municipal systems is non-revenue water, a value of around 7 billion South African rand (US$ 500 million) annually.
Water scarcity means increasingly higher water costs, and allocative forces then direct water to prioritize urban and industrial usage, to which the country’s increase in total water demand is largely attributable. South Africa will have to resolve tough trade-offs between agriculture, key industrial activities such as mining and power generation, and large and growing urban centers. A number of technical solutions to this challenge exist: for example, fixing leaks could alone save an estimated 32% of municipal water supplies. However, the second draft of the National Water Resource Strategy of the Department of Water Affairs recognizes that success will depend on how effectively government can work with different stakeholders in the water sector.
The hidden threat to South Africa’s food, water and wild places
Farming accounts for around 70% of water used in the world today and also contributes to water pollution from excess nutrients, pesticides and other pollutants. But the competition for water is increasing and the costs of water pollution can be high. Increased pressure from urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change will provide agriculture with more competition for water resources and climate change could affect water supply and agriculture through changes in the seasonal timing of rainfall and snow pack melt, as well as higher incidence and severity of floods and droughts.
Sustainable management of water in agriculture is critical to increase agricultural production, ensure water can be shared with other users and maintain the environmental and social benefits of water systems. Governments need to improve the economic efficiency and environmental effectiveness of policies that seek to improve water resource use efficiency and reduce water pollution from agricultural systems.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) was agreed by 193 Member States at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015. Australia was represented at the Summit by the Hon Julie Bishop MP, former Minister for Foreign Affairs. Australia actively participated in international discussions to design the 2030 Agenda and supported the involvement of all development actors, including civil society organisations, the private sector, philanthropic organisations and academia.
What is the 2030 Agenda?
The 2030 Agenda is a comprehensive, progressive and innovative agenda that responds to the many challenges faced by the world today and into the future. It aims to integrate the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
The 2030 Agenda is made up of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a roadmap for sustainable development efforts to 2030 and beyond and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development – a global plan for financing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Australia and the 2030 Agenda
The 2030 Agenda is both a domestic and international agenda. It is well aligned with Australia's interests - especially in promoting regional stability, security and economic prosperity.
Australian Government coordination on implementation of the 2030 Agenda is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
The role of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Many of the SDGs are directly environmental in focus in that they aim to improve environmental conditions and the sustainability of natural resources. Individual goals focus on improving conditions and addressing challenges relating to health; food and agriculture; water and sanitation; human settlements; energy; climate change; sustainable consumption and production; biodiversity and ecosystems (both marine and terrestrial).
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is an active participant in the whole-of-government approach to the 2030 Agenda.
The department has direct responsibility for a number of the Goals and their targets. These Goals are:
Goal 2 – Zero Hunger
Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 12 – Responsible Production and Consumption
Goal 14 – Life below Water
Goal 15 – Life on Land
The Department also contributes to Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 13 – Climate Action and Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. There are many interlinkages between the 17 Goals. Our efforts to give effect to the environment and agriculture-related Goals will also contribute to the delivery of elements of the other economic and social Goals.
