The Upper uThukela River: A vital water source powering communities and economies across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Image: Kirsten Oliver
As South Africa observes National Water Week from March 16 to 20, the spotlight shines brightly on the Upper uThukela Water Fund (UTWF), an innovative initiative led by the WILDLANDS programme under the conservation-focused NGO WILDTRUST. This pioneering project is dedicated to safeguarding one of the country’s key water sources located in KwaZulu-Natal, fostering community participation and employing scientific solutions to ensure the longevity and health of this vital resource.
National Water Week, co-ordinated by the Department of Water and Sanitation, serves as a national rallying cry for responsible water usage, coinciding with World Water Day on March 22. This year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” advocated by UN-Water, underscores the relationship between equitable access to water and the promotion of equality, highlighting that when water flows, opportunities flourish.
The Upper uThukela catchment is crucial for South Africa's water security, supplying significant portions of KwaZulu-Natal and providing water to Gauteng through inter-basin transfer into the Vaal River system. However, this strategic water source is increasingly under threat from population surges, climate change, and environmental degradation. The degradation faced by the catchment, exacerbated by invasive species and unsustainable land practices, jeopardises both the quantity and quality of its water supply.
In response to these challenges, the UTWF has emerged as a dynamic, science-driven collaboration, working closely with partners such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Nature for Water (N4W). The UTWF represents a robust investment into Nature-based Solutions (NbS), focusing on interventions that include the removal of invasive alien species, rehabilitation of degraded land, and improved management of rangelands. The anticipated benefits from this initiative are substantial: with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.3:1, it is projected to yield a net present value of R216 million over the next 30 years.
Moreover, the UTWF plays a critical role in catalysing local development. By fostering job creation, enhancing food and water security, and protecting biodiversity, it ensures that communities are not only partners but also beneficiaries of this transformational initiative. Responding to the global 30x30 conservation target, local communities are set to preserve 32,000 hectares of pristine mountain and grassland adjacent to the iconic Drakensberg World Heritage Site as part of a formal protection effort within the next three years.
Kirsten Oliver, Deputy Director of Conservation Programmes at WILDTRUST, emphasised the significance of the project: "The Upper uThukela is not just a water source; it is the lifeblood of people, economies, and ecosystems across two provinces. Water security here is water security for millions. By investing in nature and empowering communities, we are investing in a more equal, resilient future."
Additionally, Oliver noted the estimated financial returns from investment in the UTWF, stating that an injection of R164 million over 30 years could unlock about R380 million in benefits. These gains not only encompass the preservation of nine million cubic metres of water annually but also include reduced treatment costs, avoidance of costly infrastructure replacements, increased revenues from cattle sales, and an impressive R62 million generated for local communities through carbon credits.
Beyond financial implications, the UTWF serves as a beacon for sustainable development, fostering job creation, restoring habitats, and protecting vital ecosystems which contribute to improved livelihoods. As South Africa celebrates National Water Week 2026, the pressing need to recognise and safeguard our essential water sources is underscored — a true testament to a future filled with opportunity, resilience, and equality for generations to come.
If you or your business are interested in supporting the safeguarding and conservation of this critical water source, contact Buyisiwe Makhoba Dlamini at [email protected].
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