Welcome: D-G

 

On behalf of the WRC and stakeholders in the South African water sector, it gives me great pleasure to welcome firstly, the recently-appointed Director-General of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Mr Jabu Sindane. I wish to also welcome all invited guests who have sacrificed their precious time to be with us this evening. Your presence is indicative of your commitment to improving service delivery in the South African water sector.

 

Mr Sindane needs no introduction to you, being the Deputy Director-General (regions) for the past eighteen months. The Director-General of DWAF plays a pivotal role in the South African water sector since DWAF is the custodian of our water resources. DWAF is entrusted with the titanic responsibility of water services provision and sanitation to the people of South Africa. There is no doubt in my mind that the principle of “Some for all, forever” is the focal point on Mr Sindane’s strategies, aims and plans. The logistics and organization involved in Mr Sindane’s mandate can be alleviated by the participation, networking and the significant “buy in” of partners. This evenings event serves primarily to initiate this partnership so as to add value to the end product- providing safe clean water as well as sanitation to the people of South Africa!

 

The vibrant South African water sector has grown dramatically, especially over the past decade. There is no doubt that African countries as well as our overseas counterparts view us as a resilient nation, and specifically as a nation that has made great strides as far as water and sanitation provision goes. We need to build on our successes and to go forward with renewed vigour. I believe that the South African water sector has skills, leardership, initiative and, above all, vision. These qualities are more than sufficient to ensure that we are a formidable force as well as a significant global player. Of course, our main ingredient is knowledge- a factor that can be brokered optimally provided that strong collaborative partnerships are in place.

 

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you as partners here today and I am sure that tonight will mark the beginning of new ideas and initiatives. Mr Sindane, I want to welcome you to the South African water sector and also to this evenings function. I am sure that I echo the sentiments of the other guests here when I say that we pledge our support to you and your department’s programmes. Enjoy the function and the platform that is provided to engage with us. I thank you.