Catchment Management Agencies 2024/25 Annual Reports; with Deputy Ministers

Video Annual Reports 2024/25 The Committee received presentations from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and its associated Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) on the annual reports of the CMAs for 2024/25. The discussions highlighted key issues such as delayed audits, financial reconciliation challenges, capacity constraints, and transitional arrangements in the establishment and operationalisation of CMAs. Mr David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water Affairs, emphasised that the CMAs were established in line with the National Water Act and that delays in their implementation had undermined the principles of integrated water resource management. He acknowledged the need for strengthened governance, viable financial systems, and improved coordination between the DWS and CMAs. The Director-General of the DWS and his team outlined remedial actions to address audit findings, including capacity building, improved internal controls, and the adoption of departmental systems to support CMA functions. Committee Members raised concerns about audit outcomes, governance gaps, irregular appointments, and delayed staff transfers. The Department committed to submitting outstanding reports, finalising staff transfers by December 2025, and ensuring that internal audit and risk management systems were fully functional. The Committee noted the Department's efforts to stabilise operations and improve accountability across CMAs but stressed the need for urgency in addressing unresolved issues such as office accommodation, policy development, and governance alignment. Deputy Minister Mahlobo proposed conducting interim audits to prevent future adverse audit outcomes, while the Director-General assured Members that corrective actions were underway. The Chairperson acknowledged the Department's cooperation and reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to robust oversight.