 Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA)
The TCTA was established in terms of Government Notice 2631 of 12 December 1986 and promulgated in terms of Chapter 10 of the National Water Act, 1998 by the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, in consultation with the Cabinet, to implement international agreements. The TCTA is a state-owned liability management entity, responsible for bulk raw water infrastructure development. It is categorised as a Major Public Entity and listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA),1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999).
- Mandate
The TCTA is mandated to:
- Engage in liability management of raw bulk water infrastructure; and
- Provide an integrated treasury management and financial advisory service to water boards and water development infrastructure.
- Relationship with the Minister
The Minister, as the executive authority, is responsible for exercising an oversight role in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 and the PFMA. The TCTA reports to the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry on the performance of its functions within three months after the end of its financial year. This report is accompanied by audited financial statements.
- guiding, leading, developing legislative framework, regulating and controlling the water and forestry sectors;
- conserving, managing and developing our water resources and forests in a scientific and environmentally sustainable manner in order to meet the social and economic needs of South Africa, both now and in the future;
- ensuring that water services are provided to all South Africans in an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way;
- managing and sustaining our forests, using the best scientific practice in a participatory and sustainable manner;
- educating the people of South Africa on ways to manage, conserve and sustain our water and forest resources;
- cooperating with all spheres of Government, in order to achieve the best and most integrated development in our country and region;
- creating the best possible opportunities for employment, the eradication of poverty and the promotion of equity, social development and democratic governance.
Water Research Commission (WRC)
The WRC was established in terms of section 2 of the Water Research Act, 1971 (Act No. 34 of 1971). It is subject to the Pubic Finance Management Act (PFMA) and is categorised as a Schedule 3A entity: National Public Entity.
- Mandate
The mandate of the WRC includes the promotion of co-ordination, co-operation and communication in the area of water research and development, funding water research according to priorities, promoting effective transfer of information and knowledge and ensuring capacity building in the water sector.
- Relationship with the Minister
The powers of the Minister in respect of the WRC are derived from different sections of the Water Research Act, 1971 (Act No. 34 of 1971). In some instances the Minister is required to consult with the Minister of Finance and obtain his concurrence. The reporting requirements for the WRC are set out in the PFMA and Treasury Regulations. It must submit to the Minister for approval: quarterly reports, an annual report, including financial statements, a corporate plan and annual budget as well as the recommendation for the annual increase in the water research levy.
Water Boards
Water Boards are established in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 as organs of State. They are categorised as National Government Business Enterprises, in terms of Schedule 3B of the PFMA and are therefore subject to the regulations of the relevant legislation.
- Mandate
The primary activity of Water Boards is to provide water services to other water services institutions within their respective service areas. They may perform other activities under certain conditions set out in section 30 of the Water Services Act, 1997.
- Relationship with the Minister
The Water Boards are regulated by the Minister in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 and the PFMA. Water Boards submit to the Minister, on an annual basis, shareholder compacts (business plans) and policy statements a month before the beginning of the new financial year. For the planning period 2006/07 to 2010/11, Water Boards complied with this requirement and all the shareholder compacts were submitted on time to the Department.
The following Water Boards operate water schemes on behalf of the Department, mostly in rural areas which have not yet been transferred to municipalities.
Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs)
CMAs are established to manage water resources at catchment level in co-operation with local stakeholders. The establishment of such agencies reflects a significant change in the approach to Water Resources Management (WRM) and represents the opportunity to give effect to the new paradigm captured in both government transformation and WRM policies and legislation. The intention is for local communities to be involved in the decision-making processes associated with water resource management at catchment level.
- Mandate
The mandate of a CMA is articulated in the National Water Act, 1998 as:
- Managing water resources in a water management area;
- Co-ordinating the functions of other institutions involved in water related matters; and
- Involving local communities in water resource management.
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