What does the Water Tribunal do?

The Water Tribunal was established in 1998 to hear appeals against directives and decisions made by responsible authorities, catchment management agencies or water management agencies about matters covered by the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, like the issuing of licenses to use water. It is an independent body and can hold hearings anywhere in the country.

Who are the members?

The Water Research Commission and the Judicial Services Commission recommend people to be members of the Tribunal, and the Minister of Water and Sanitation appoints them. The members have to know about water management, engineering, law and other related matters, and they are given administrative support by the Department of Water and Sanitation.