Water and Sanitation department confirms probe launched into uMngeni-uThukela Water governance issues

The Department of Water and Sanitation has launched an investigation into the affairs of uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) following a string of allegations of wrongdoing against the water authority.

Wisane Mavasa, the spokesperson for the department, stated that the findings of the investigation would be released as soon as it is completed.

The scope of the investigation was not immediately clear. Recent allegations that have made headlines include:

• UUW sponsoring an official to the New York Marathon, including a R125 000 first-class airfare and additional expenses.
• Conflicts of interest: Claims that a law firm paid tens of millions by UUW hired the board chair’s daughter, and that another board member received substantial legal briefs from the same firm.
• Subsidiary governance failures: The removal of Khanyisani Stanley Shandu as chair of UUW’s subsidiary for undeclared interests, while he reportedly remains on the main Board for UUW.

In September, the UUW also came under scrutiny for the board fees paid to board members. 

“The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has initiated an investigation into the various allegations related to the governance of the entity against the water board and its board. An outcome of the investigation will be communicated as soon as the investigation is finalised,” Mavasa said.

The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation recently welcomed the announcement that the Minister would initiate an investigation into a series of governance concerns that have emerged within the past month.

The committee called for the process to be expedited to ensure the water utility’s integrity and credibility are preserved, particularly as it seeks external funding for major infrastructure projects.

ActionSA MP Alan Beesley stated that the party fully supports an urgent investigation into governance failures at UUW.

“It is clear that governance at uMngeni-uThukela Water is failing, and as such, there must be an urgent investigation and consequences for those responsible for these failures. While leadership failures continue at uMngeni-uThukela Water, it is the residents and businesses that suffer,” he said.

Visvin Reddy of MKP also expressed his party's support for the announcement.

“The fact that over R100,000 of public funds was spent to sponsor a staff member to run a marathon in New York speaks volumes about how the board has lost its moral compass. This is not merely an error of judgement — it is a flagrant abuse of public trust. While millions of South Africans face daily water shortages, those entrusted with safeguarding this essential service appear more interested in overseas junkets and personal perks than in delivering clean water to our communities.”

He added that over the past year, there has been a disturbing pattern of financial mismanagement and questionable decisions at UUW — from irregular sponsorships and luxury travel to inflated board fees and wasteful expenditure.

“The board’s reported R600 million surplus should be used to improve water infrastructure and expand access to unserved communities, not as a slush fund for vanity projects and self-enrichment.”

Reddy insisted that the Minister’s probe must be independent, transparent, and time-bound.

“The public must know who approved these expenditures, who benefited, and what actions will be taken against those responsible. As MK Party Members of Parliament, we will demand a full forensic audit of UUW’s expenditure over the past year, including its sponsorship policies, board remuneration, and international travel. We will also call for the Department of Water and Sanitation to introduce stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power within all water entities,” he concluded.