Every CMA must progressively establish a Catchment Management
strategy, by notice in the Gazette, and review it at least once every five
years. This strategy must set out the framework for managing water
resources within the WMA and the principles for allocating water to existing
and prospective water users. As such it specifies the CMA's (and DWAF)
intent in terms of water resources management in a WMA, and specifies the
way in which water will be managed in that area.

The strategy also must set out the water management institutions to be
established in the WMA and guides these institutions in performing their
functions in terms of the Act. All persons and organisations must adhere
to the strategy, which in turn must take account of the constitutional
mandate and legal powers of water management institutions, as well as
other relevant organs of state. Furthermore, the strategy must indicate
the manner in which the public will be enabled to participate in water
resources management within the WMA.