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The recent consultations on proposed 2027/28 Raw Water Use Charges in South Africa highlighted the true essence of consultation, according to a communicator from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). While the law mandates consultation with water users, the communicator believes that genuine consultation goes beyond a mere tick-box exercise. To them, consultation is meaningful when people are given the chance to speak, question, disagree, and feel heard.

The communicator attended both sector-specific consultations in Pretoria and the national engagement in Johannesburg in August 2026. These meetings brought together representatives from various stakeholders, including the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, Sasol, Rand Water, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Forestry South Africa, Crocodile River Irrigation Board, and the South African Association for Water User Associations. These diverse participants contributed to the discussions on the proposed charges.

During the sector-specific consultations, water users had the opportunity to scrutinize the proposed charges and provide direct input. However, the national consultation served a different purpose. It allowed the Department to present the outcomes of those engagements and offer feedback on the economic analysis. The Department also unveiled the final proposed charges for raw water use that would be forwarded to the Minister of Water and Sanitation.

The communicator emphasizes that consultation does not imply agreement among all parties. In fact, disagreement is an essential aspect of meaningful consultation. A platform should be provided for different views to be expressed and considered. The experience reinforced the communicator's understanding that listening is as crucial as speaking during consultations. Effective communication goes beyond merely conveying information; it involves creating opportunities for people to respond and engage in the conversation.

The communicator believes that sustainable water management necessitates recognizing that government and water users are part of the same conversation. Farmers, municipalities, industries, mining companies, water utilities, and other stakeholders may have differing interests, but they all have a stake in the management of South Africa's scarce water resources.

The consultations underscored the importance of collaborative engagement, as legislation may require a process, but the quality of engagement determines its significance.

Ultimately, the proposed Raw Water Use Charges for the 2027/28 financial year will proceed to the next stage, with the recommended charges subject to submission and approval by the Minister. Regardless of the outcome, the communicator believes that the engagement provided a vital opportunity for listening, exchanging views, and fostering a shared understanding of the complexities involved in managing South Africa's water resources.

The communicator concludes by reflecting that true consultation lies not in merely complying with the law, but in actively listening to the people who are affected by the decisions being made.