Sustainability for Regions
Clarivate

Research Commons

Insights into Regional Development Open Access
EU
ERC
Enter to SUSTAINABILITY FOR
REGIONS page

Navigation

Membership:

iThenticate

Recommended tools:

Get Mendeley Web Importer: Mendeley

Register for an ORCID iD (for authors and reviewers): ORCID

Join a global community of researchers using Kudos: Kudos

Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

Share: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Add this article to your Mendeley library
HTML PDF
DOI 10.70132/m6942754332
Reference to this article should be made as follows:
Mukonavanhu, T.; Nel-Sanders, D. 2025. Challenges in the regulation of water demand planning in South Africa, Insights into Regional Development 7(3): 23-40. https://doi.org/10.70132/m6942754332
Received: 2025-02-04  |  Accepted: 2025-06-29  |  Published: 2025-09-30

Title

Challenges in the regulation of water demand planning in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is confronted with the challenges of dual governance systems, ineffective implementation of water legislation, and conflicts arising from differing governance approaches, all of which impede the effective management of integrated water resources. This article aims to understand the significant challenges in regulating water demand planning in South Africa. The research methodology employed in this study consists of a rapid review complemented by open-ended interviews, facilitating data triangulation that enables a comparative analysis between insights gathered from interview participants and the results obtained from the rapid review. The rapid review involved a comprehensive examination of fifty-five articles, of which twelve met the established inclusion criteria for the study. Additionally, five managers from the Vhembe district municipality were interviewed. The key dimensions investigated include an evaluation of study quality, a narrative synthesis of study outcomes, an exploration of the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing water demand planning regulations, and interventions designed to support such regulations. The findings underscore significant challenges in regulating water demand planning in South Africa, including project delays, budget overruns, substandard quality of work, mismanagement of funds, and insufficient service delivery. Recommendations emphasize the necessity of implementing water demand forecasting, which serves as a fundamental component of all planning efforts within the water services sector and aims to project the future water requirements of the designated planning area.

Keywords

water demand management, South Africa, water regulation, service delivery, governance

JEL classifications

Q25 , Q21 , Q28

URI

http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/203

DOI

DOI 10.70132/m6942754332

Pages

23-40

Funding

This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Authors

Mukonavanhu, Tinashe
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa https://www.uj.ac.za
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar
Nel-Sanders, Danielle
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa https://www.uj.ac.za
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Journal title

Insights into Regional Development

Volume

7

Number

3

Issue date

September 2025

Issue DOI

DOI 10.70132/t9255692945

ISSN

ISSN 2345-0282 (online)

Publisher

VšĮ Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, Vilnius, Lithuania

Cited

Google Scholar

Article views & downloads

HTML views: 607  |  PDF downloads: 238

References

Adom, R.K., & Simatele, M.D. 2024. Overcoming systemic and institutional challenges in policy implementation in South Africa's water sector. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 10(69), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-024-01040-3

Search via ReFindit

Ahn, E., & Kang, H. 2018. Introduction to systematic review and meta-analysis. Korean J Anesthesiol, 71(2), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2018.71.2.103

Search via ReFindit

Aiyetan, A. O., & Das, D. K. 2021. Evaluation of the Factors and Strategies for Water Infrastructure Project Delivery in South Africa. Infrastructures, 6(5), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures6050065

Search via ReFindit

Arevalo‐Rodriguez, I., Baxter, S., Steingart, K.R., Tricco, A.C., Nussbaumer‐Streit, B., Kaunelis, D., Alonso‐Coello, P., Bossuyt, P.M., & Zamora, J. 2023. How to develop rapid reviews of diagnostic tests according to experts: A qualitative exploration of researcher views. Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods, 1(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1002/cesm.12006

Search via ReFindit

Borges Migliavaca, C., Stein, C., Colpani, V. et al. 2020. How are systematic reviews of prevalence conducted? A methodological study. BMC Med Res Methodol, 20(96), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-020-00975-3

Search via ReFindit

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. 2006. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Search via ReFindit

Brauns, M., & Stanton, A. 2016. Governance of the public health sector during Apartheid: The case of South Africa. Journal of Governance and Regulation, 5(1), 23-30. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgr_v5_i1_p3

Search via ReFindit

Cole, M.J., Bailey, R.M., Cullis, J.D., & New, M.G. 2018. Spatial inequality in water access and water use in South Africa. Water Policy, 20(1), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2017.111

Search via ReFindit

Colvin, C., & Saayman, I. 2007. Challenges to groundwater governance: a case study of groundwater governance in Cape Town, South Africa. Water Policy, 9(S2), 127-148. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2007.129

Search via ReFindit

Crous, P., Haarhoff, J., & Buckley, C.A. 2013. Water demand characteristics of shared water and sanitation facilities: Experiences from community ablution blocks in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. Water Sa, 39(3), 361-368. https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v39i3.3

Search via ReFindit

Daane, J.D. 1998. Water metering in multiflat high-rises as a demand management instrument for former Soviet republics as assessed by current practices in Eastern Europe and Lviv, Ukraine. Doctoral Dissertation. The George Washington University. . https://www.proquest.com/openview/13cdc1d0cc4ee5f56b1192545afda6b7/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Search via ReFindit

Feukeu, E.A., Snyman, L.L., & Twinomurinzi, H. 2022. Overcoming Water Scarcity with Dynamic Water Flow Rate Control (DWFRC): Case of South Africa. International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development (IJSESD), 13(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJSESD.289642

Search via ReFindit

Isbell, T. (2020). COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa highlights unequal access to services. AfroBarometer. Dispatch No.358. https://www.afrobarometer.org/publication/ad358-covid-19-lockdown-south-africa-highlights-unequal-access-services/

Search via ReFindit

Jiang, Y., Chen, Y., Younos, T., Huang, H., & He, J. 2010. Urban water resources quota management: the core strategy for water demand management in China. Ambio, 39(2010), 467-475. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-010-0080-x

Search via ReFindit

Jonker, M. S. 2012. An Assessment of the Impact of Dry and Wet Cooling Systems on Stake Holders. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/openview/d10eeb4de9ebd290624d7f192a001257/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2026366&diss=y

Search via ReFindit

Loubser, C., Chimbanga, B.M., & Jacobs, H. 2021. Intermittent water supply: a South African perspective. Water SA, 47(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.17159/wsa/2021.v47.i1.9440

Search via ReFindit

Madigele, P.K. 2018. South Africa’s water regulatory and policy framework: A new institutional economic review. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 4(1), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-017-0167-7

Search via ReFindit

Mathipa, K.S., & Le Roux, C.S. 2009. Determining water management training needs through stakeholder consultation: Building users’ capacity to manage their water demand. Water SA, 35(3), 261-270. https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v35i3.76762

Search via ReFindit

Moolman, J., Alberts, R.C., Roos, C., & Retief, F.P. 2022. Identifying key risks to the effectiveness of water use authorization systems through theory of change (ToC): The case of South Africa. Water, 14(23), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14233830

Search via ReFindit

Moons, P., Goossens, E., & Thompson, D. 2021. Rapid reviews: the pros and cons of an accelerated review process. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 5(2021), 515-519. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvab041

Search via ReFindit

Mukonavanhu, T. 2022. Water demand management and planning in the Vhembe district municipality. University of Johannesburg (South Africa). https://search.proquest.com/openview/3915eb4d48da0349112ce2ef2cec4bd6/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2026366&diss=y

Search via ReFindit

Murwirapachena, G. 2021. Understanding household water-use behaviour in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Water Policy, 23(5), 1266-1283. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.157

Search via ReFindit

Musoma, B., Kilobe, B., & Mnyawi, S.P. 2016. The effectiveness of MTEF in managing public fund expenditure to LGAs and MDAs: experience from Tanzania. International Journal in Management & Social Science, 4(7), 469–481. https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ijmss&volume=4&issue=7&article=047

Search via ReFindit

Mwendera, E.J., Hazelton, D., Nkhuwa, D., Robinson, P., Tjijenda, K., & Chavula, G. 2003. Overcoming constraints to the implementation of water demand management in southern Africa. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 28(20-27), 761-778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2003.08.002

Search via ReFindit

Mweshi, G.K., & Sakyi, K. 2020. Application of sampling methods for the research design. Archives of Business Review, 8(11), 180-193. https://doi.org/10.14738/abr.811.9042

Search via ReFindit

Ngcobo, M., Murwirapachena, G., & Reddy, M. 2023. Water consumption behaviour and the use of technology among households in Durban, South Africa. Water Policy, 25(5), 523–543. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2023.019

Search via ReFindit

Nyimbili, F., & Nyimbili, L. 2024. Types of Purposive Sampling Techniques with Their Examples and Application in Qualitative Research Studies. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 5(1), 90–99. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.0419

Search via ReFindit

Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J.M., Akl, E.A., Brennan, S.E. & Chou, R. 2021. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 134(2021), 178-189. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Search via ReFindit

Pienaar, A., Brent, A.C., Musango, J.K., & De Kock, I. H. 2017. Water resource infrastructure implications of a green economy transition in the Western Cape Province of South Africa: A system dynamics approach. South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28(2), 78-94. https://doi.org/10.7166/28-2-1639

Search via ReFindit

Price, G., Raymer, D., & Groenewald, S. 2012. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Water Loss Programme: urban and rural engineering. Civil Engineering=Siviele Ingenieurswese, 2012(9), 9-18. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC128804

Search via ReFindit

Quay, R. 2015. Planning for demand uncertainty in integrated water resource management. Journal‐American Water Works Association, 107(2), 32-41. https://doi.org/10.5942/jawwa.2015.107.0030

Search via ReFindit

Roller, M.R. 2020. The in-depth interview method. Journal of Language Relationship, 10(1), 1-27. https://www.rollerresearch.com/MRR%20WORKING%20PAPERS/IDI%20April%202020-Final.pdf

Search via ReFindit

Ruiters, C., & Amadi Echendu, J. 2022. Economic costs, efficiencies and challenges of investments in the provision of sustainable water infrastructure supply systems in South Africa. https://repository.up.ac.za/items/54468c42-5c45-4f4c-bd0b-fed33c6ce9ed

Search via ReFindit

Steyn, N.R. 2022a. Exploring the Adequacy of South African Water Law in Managing Non-revenue Water: A Focus on South African Cities. Southern African Public Law, 37(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.25159/2522-6800/10340

Search via ReFindit

Steyn, N.R. 2022b. Legislative responses to the challenge of insufficient data on water service delivery in South African cities. Paper presented at the Urban Forum, 33(3), 349–366. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-021-09456-2

Search via ReFindit

Stuart-Hill, S., Lukat, E., Pringle, C., & Pahl-Wostl, C. 2020. Coordination Beyond the State to Solve Complex Water Problems: Insights from South Africa, (No. 21/2020). https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/242604

Search via ReFindit

Vala, B., & Malazaa, N. 2024. Examining the efficacy of the legal framework governing the management of greywater in South Africa's informal settlements. Journal of Water and Health, 22(5), 842-858. https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2024.312

Search via ReFindit

Vhembe District Municipality. 2024. Vhembe District Municipality Draft IDP Review (2024/2025). Limpopo Province: Vhembe District Municipality. Retrieved from https://www.vhembe.gov.za/idp/#12-244-vhembe-district-2024-l-2025-idp

Search via ReFindit

Vidal-Lamolla, P., Molinos Senante, M., Oliva-Felipe, L., Alvarez-Napagao, S., Cortés, U., Martínez-Gomariz, E., Noriega, P., Olsson, G., & Poch, M. 2024. Assessing urban water demand-side management policies before their implementation: An agent-based model approach, 107(2024), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2024.105435

Search via ReFindit

Wolfe, S.E. 2009. What's your story? Practitioners' tacit knowledge and water demand management policies in southern Africa and Canada. Water Policy, 11(4), 489-503. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2009.059

Search via ReFindit

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE

RSS FEEDS


Archived in:

CLOCKSS


Flag Counter

qr code