Introduction

The National Groundwater Strategy (NGS) 2016 is a detailed review of the Groundwater Strategy (2010) managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation. However, the GS (2010) lacked sufficient public consultation and stakeholder participation. The NGS aims to improve the recognition of the strategic value and use and protection of groundwater in South Africa. As provided by the National Water Act, 1998 (Act no 36 of 1998) in Chapter 2 that strategies should be developed to facilitate the proper management of water resources. The NGS is subdivided into chapters with each consisting of current groundwater challenges and recommended actions.

National Groundwater Strategy Status

The project to develop the National Groundwater Strategy is still ongoing. Details of the current status of the NGS project are also available.

Documents

Reports

• Inception Report - available soon
• Gap Analysis and Comment Report form Groundwater Strategy - 2010 - available soon

Workshops

• Biennial Groundwater Conference - available soon
• 9 Provincial Workshops Documentation
• Water Research Commission (WRC) Dialogue NGS
  • The Role of Groundwater and Challenges for its Sustainable Utilization
  • Framework for Groundwater Development and Management
  • Ground Water Management in Denmark
  • The Groundwater Industry and Good Groundwater Governance
  • WRC Dialogue on the Roll-out and implementation of the National Groundwater Strategy
• Dates and Venues for the 9 Provincial Workshops

The table below gives the latest information on the dates and venues for the Provincial National Groundwater Strategy Workshops.

Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meetings

• PSC 2^nd Meeting Minutes - available on request

NGS Drafts

• 1^st NGS Draft - available on request
• 2^nd NGS Draft - available on request
• 3^rd NGS Draft, February 2016 [PDF - 3.6 MB]
• 4^th NGS Draft, April 2016  [PDF - 10.4 MB]
• 5^th NGS Draft Final, December 2016  [PDF - 7.59 MB]

NGS Comments

• Comment page on 3^rd Draft

NGS Stakeholder Register

• Register as a Stakeholder

Queries and comments can be sent to NGS@dws.gov.za