Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina officially welcomed the newly appointed Amatola Water Board members in an attempt to strengthen clean governance, strategic leadership and restore stability at the troubled Eastern Cape water utility and bulk supplier.
Over the past few months, workers from the embattled water utility have continued to down tools and embarked on a series of strike actions following allegations of fraud, corruption and maladministration at Amatola Water, which eventually prompted the intervention of Majodina.
There were also reports of rifts amongst its senior executives and board members, leading to the appointment of the new board. The workers’ protests left many communities in the province without water for several days.
The former Amatola Water board chairperson, Pam Yako, resigned early last year and has been replaced by the current interim board chairperson, Gaster Sharpley.
The former CEO, Siyabulela Koyo, left the water utility without finishing his five-year contract and has been replaced by Lindokuhle Nzoyi as acting CEO.
Speaking during the official welcome of the new board recently, Majodina’s speech focused on accountability, institutional stability, clean governance and quality leadership.
Majodina emphasised the critical role the new board will have to play in steering Amatola Water through the complexities of water service delivery, ensuring accountable leadership and effective governance.
“Our commitment is to provide a sound oversight role and strategic direction that will translate into reliable, quality water services for communities across the province,” said Majodina.
Majodina believes that the newly constituted board brings together distinguished professionals with a wealth of experience across public administration, engineering, finance, legal advisory and infrastructure delivery—all critical areas for advancing Amatola Water’s mandate.
Some of the new board members include Noxolo Abraham, who has deep legislative experience; Simnikiwe Xawuka, a civil engineer and specialist in water infrastructure; and Thuthuka Songelwa, a project and construction management professional with legal expertise.
Other members include municipal engineering and infrastructure strategist Bhekuyise Makedama, legal counsel and risk advisory expert Nondumiso Ngonyama, and veteran water sector strategist and adviser Trevor Balzer.
Amatola Water is a bulk water supplier providing clean water to several district municipalities in the province, including Buffalo City Metro, Amathole District Municipality, O.R. Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman districts.
