10/04/2026
Don’t Dam our rights!💧
Whether you’re a day-tripper, a waterfront property owner, boat builder, an outboard parts dealer, or even someone selling vegan boerewors rolls in Poffadder—this will affect you!
There is growing concern regarding proposed regulations that would place South Africa’s dams and water systems—including the Vaal River Barrage—under significantly increased government control.
These changes may affect a wide range of individuals and businesses, including:
Private landowners living next to water.
Recreational users such as anglers and boaters.
Boat builders and marine service providers.
Tourism operators, cruise businesses, and event organisers.
Retailers connected to water-based activities.
In short, whether your involvement is direct or indirect, these proposals could have far-reaching consequences.
The minister will hold all the power. Every body of water will have a committee she appoints—sounds a lot like cadre deployment—and they’ll have free rein to govern and regulate as they please.
In summary:
Fishing or launching from your own property is illegal.
Night-time boating is prohibited.
No mooring of boats without government approval.
Overnight stays on vessels is disallowed. No more houseboats.
Any gathering or event involving 50 or more people may require prior government authorisation—something that could significantly impact regular commercial operations.
Tourism activities at major water destinations such as Hartbeespoort Dam, the Vaal Dam, Gariep Dam, and the Vaal River Barrage—including cruises and events—could face severe limitations or become unviable under the proposed framework.
Land below the 1:100-year flood line may effectively fall under state control.
Property owners may not freely use or access portions of their own land.
Landowners will be required to lease back usage rights. EXPROPIRATION WITHOUT COMPENSATION!
Impact on Businesses and Tourism
Reduced economic activity.
Job losses .
Declining investment in water-related industries.
Existing Infrastructure are at Risk structures such as:
Jetties
Marinas
Slipways
Tourism facilities —even if legally built and used for many years—may be: declared non-compliant ,subject to removal or costly formalization
Mandatory Lease and Permit System
Both private and commercial users will be required to enter into lease agreements called public partnerships.
Costs and terms have not been clearly defined.
Lease periods may be limited, with no guarantee of renewal.
Broader Economic and Social Impact.
These regulations could affect:
Property values .
Investment in boats, equipment, and tourism.
Small and medium-sized businesses.
Recreational lifestyles enjoyed by many South Africans.
There are also concerns about how such regulations would be enforced and funded, particularly given existing challenges such as water infrastructure maintenance and supply issues.
Why This Matters
The overall concern is that these proposals represent a shift:
From open access → to controlled access
From ownership → to regulated usage
From public benefit → to revenue-driven management
Make Your Voice Heard!
Public participation is a critical part of this process. WE ONLY HAVE 5 DAYS LEFT!
By law, the Minister is required to consider all public submissions before final decisions are made and presented to Parliament.
How to Submit Your Objection:
1. Send your comments to: [email protected]
2. CC: [email protected]
He will maintain a documented paper trail to ensure transparency and hold the government accountable.
You can even copy and paste. The more emails the longer we make the process.
What to Include:
You can briefly raise concerns such as:
Protection of private property rights
Economic and job impacts
Tourism and small business sustainability
Enforcement feasibility
Cost structures and lease fees
Prioritisation of existing water infrastructure issues.
Even a short, well-considered submission can make a meaningful difference.
Take 30 seconds and do your part. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
South Africa is fortunate to have exceptional natural water resources that support livelihoods, recreation, and tourism. Any regulatory changes should carefully balance environmental protection, economic sustainability, and the rights of citizens.
Water unites us and don’t divide us!
We already made big waves and parties are drafting counter proposals.
We will fight to the highest courts.
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Current draft regulations https://www.dws.gov.za/Documents/Gazettes/53963%2016-1%20WaterSanitation%20Separate%20(re-published).pdf
