Towards a groundwater source and aquifer protection zoning policy in South Africa: Assessment of the legal, socio-economic and institutional arrangements

Abstract

The need for a fundamental change in our approach to water management in South Africa is largely underpinned by the country's Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). Section 24 in Chapter 2 of the Constitution is perhaps the most relevant to be considered when developing a groundwater source and aquifer protection zoning policy, as it explicitly endorses the right to have the environment protected. The mandate required to give effect to the overall protection of South Africa's water resources spans across several sectors and government departments, with expected roles and responsibilities not always clearly defined. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) is primarily responsible for water resource management. However, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAn, the National Department of Agriculture (NDA) and the Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG) are all key role-players because of their respective responsibilities for biodiversity conservation, land management and development planning across government.