Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) firmly opposes the ANC-led Department of Water and Sanitation’s proposed regulations for managing government waterworks and adjacent state-owned land. These regulations represent a significant and unlawful policy shift that jeopardises public access to state dams, undermines private property rights, and threatens local economies that depend on recreational and commercial activities around these water sources.
Under the National Water Act, South Africans have long enjoyed the right to use state dams for recreational purposes, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. These rights are protected as “existing lawful water uses” under the law. However, the proposed regulations aim to restrict public access to state dams, criminalise traditional recreational activities, and impose burdensome lease agreements for both recreational and commercial use.
The draft regulations and accompanying Resource Management Plans (RMPs) would require individuals, clubs, and businesses to obtain formal agreements to access water surfaces and adjacent land. This would effectively block direct access from private properties and impose administrative burdens on landowners, turning them into compliance officers for the state. Additionally, longstanding businesses such as sailing clubs, marinas, guesthouses, and tour operators would face uncertainty, increased costs, and short-term lease agreements, which discourage investment and threaten their survival.
The DA will oppose these regulations, which are both unconstitutional and economically harmful. By prioritising state revenue over public access and local economic development, the ANC government risks destroying jobs and livelihoods in communities that depend on dam-based tourism and recreation.
We encourage all South Africans to join us in opposing these detrimental regulations. Send your objections before 13 April 2026 to:
- By post: Director-General, Department of Water and Sanitation, Private Bag X313, Pretoria 0001
- By hand: Sedibeng Building, 185 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria
- By email:gww@dws.gov.za and cc igors@da.org.za
The DA will continue to advocate for public access to state dams, recognise existing lawful recreational uses, and safeguard local economies. Together, we can ensure South Africa’s water resources remain accessible to all citizens and are managed sustainably for future generations.