The Department of Water and Sanitation was established in May 2014 by President Jacob Zuma with former Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane becoming the first Minister (26 May 2014 – 28 January 2018).

[2] The department has developed a reputation for fraud, corruption and procurement irregularities.

[5] As a result of this widespread, large-scale and persistent financial ill-discipline, the department has stated it cannot fund necessary water infrastructure projects.

[7] In 2022, the department revealed that almost all municipalities had ageing and dysfunctional water infrastructure.

Poor maintenance and operations at local government level caused an average 40% (26%-60%) of water to be lost before it reached end users.