Our Specialist Services

After decades of expansion to meet the challenges in infrastructural development and population growth, we are ensuring that we are ready for the demands of 2020 and beyond by focusing on infrastructure refurbishment and development.

Our Specialist Services Division focuses on expanding the business of Rand Water outside of our core business of bulk water supply. During the year under review, Specialist Services undertook the following projects:

• Ghana Urban Water Management Contract

Client: Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) Budget: US$103million for 5 years Funder: World Bank Project Duration: June 2006 - June 2011

In December 2004, the Government of the Republic of Ghana issued an invitation for a Bids-Management Contract for the provision of services to the urban water sector in that country. This invitation followed a general notice that Ghana had secured USD 103 million from the International Development Association to fi nance the Project. The intent was to apply part of the grant to a Multi-year Management Contract for the provision of services in the urban water sector. For this project which commenced on the 5 June 2006, Rand Water through our then subsidiary Rand Water Services (Pty) Ltd entered into a joint venture agreement with Vitens (Dutch-based company).

47 • Technical Assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Client: Department of Water Affairs Budget: R22 million Funder: African Renaissance Fund Project Duration: 18 Months (from June 2011) Benefi ciary: REGIDESO

The Government of South Africa has continued to strengthen its relationship with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Jacob Zuma and a business delegation from South Africa visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in June 2011 for the signing of the Binational Co-orperative agreement between the two countries. A key outcome of this agreement is to improve the water service delivery in the DRC. The African Renaissance Fund has allocated a budget of R22 million for this project and the Department of Water Affairs appointed us as the Implementing Agent.

The key objectives of the project are specifi cally to increase pumping capacity of the Water Plants (replace old pumps and motors), increase reliability of supply, reduce water losses, increase availability of pumps, improve water quality in the prioritised areas and enhance equipment sustainability. We have prepared a business plan in collaboration with REGIDESO for implementation in the 2011 - 12 fi nancial year.

Although most infrastructure expenditure work takes place in the form of augmentation to meet the growth in demand, other projects are initiated because of the need to reduce operations costs, improve treatment processes, enhance plant safety or extend the life of the existing assets.

48 • Rehabilitation of the Gamtoos Project Phase II

Client: Department of Water Affairs Budget: R 49 million for 2010 - 11 fi nancial year Project Duration: From October 2006 to 2011 Benefi ciary: Agricultural Community

We were appointed as the Professional Service Provider (PSP) to develop a rehabilitation strategy for the Gamtoos Irrigation Scheme (Eastern Cape) in October 2006 by the Department of Water Affairs. Our appointment focused on the assessment of the condition of the irrigation scheme, which was followed by the rehabilitation of the high risk elements of the system. The Gamtoos Main Conveyance system is approximately 65 kilometres long and conveys raw water from the Kouga Dam to Loerie Dam. It was constructed in the 1960s and comprises open canals with a total length of 34,8 kilometres; covered canals; 23 tunnels totalling 11.2 kilometres and 29 siphons totalling 15.7 kilometres. The Loerie Dam acts as a 'balancing' dam at the end of the system. The Valley has a GDP of R700 million per annum and is major source of agricultural products including citrus, vegetables and dairy products. The scope of our work included a detailed condition assessment of the Scheme in terms of the systems elements structural integrity, as well as external environmental factors. We utilised various specialised technologies such as Thermal Imagery and Eddy Current Scanning as part of the condition assessment tools.

We conducted risk profi ling on the system elements based on the probability of occurrence and severity of impact. This resulted in ranking and prioritisation of the rehabilitation of the system elements. The project was completed and handed over to the Department of Water Affairs in 2011. The total CAPEX budget for the 3 year project was approximately R223 million.

• Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation of the B7 Pipeline

Client: Rand Water Budget: R 78.4 million Project Duration: May 2011 to August 2011

The project scope included; design, condition assessment and construction supervision of 25 kilometres of the 46 kilometres length of the B7 pipeline, (the pipeline consists of a 25km pre-stressed concrete section) with the objective of improving the integrity and performance of the pipeline.

The B7 pipeline is a 46km steel and pre-stressed concrete pipe. It is made up of a 25 kilometres, 2.1m internal diameter (ID) pre-stressed concrete section laid in 1972 and 1973 between the Daleside reservoir and the Eikenhof pumping station. The steel section of similar diameter was laid between Zuikerbosch and the Daleside Resevoir to complete the 46 kilometres.

Project implementation included; • Eddy Current Scanning and inspections to determine the condition of the pipeline.

• Supply, launching and welding of pipes, for the 3.58km of slip lining.

• Supply and installation of specialised rubber seals, wide joint sealing.

• Longitudinal and circumferential crack repairs.

• Installation of new air valves and rehabilitation of existing chambers.

49 • Removal and Prevention of Struvite Build in Waste-Water Pipelines

Client: Johannesburg Water Budget: R 200,000.00 Project Duration: Will commence in the 2011 - 12 fi nancial year.

Johannesburg Water has partnered with Rand Water and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exists with respect to the implementation of new and innovative technologies and solutions in the water and sanitation sector with the objective of improving the current operations of Johannesburg Water. A key and urgent project which has been identifi ed by Johannesburg Water, is the removal and prevention of Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate build-up (struvite) in their wastewater pipelines. The formation of struvite occurs in the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) plant at Olifantsvlei Wastewater Treatment Works which is an anaerobic treatment plant.

Rand Water has been requested by Johannesburg Water to develop innovative processes for the removal of struvite using chemical treatment with the ultimate objective of implementing it on their existing network on a larger scale.

The Specialist Services Division and the Scientifi c Services Division of Rand Water will work in collaboration with Johannesburg Water to design and develop a solution for the removal of struvite from waste-water pipelines.

• Investigate Low Water Supply Pressures

Client: Joe Gqabi District Municipality Budget: R 6 million Project Duration: May 2011 to November 2011

Rand Water has been appointed by Joe Gqabi District Municipality as an implementing agent to investigate and resolve low water supply pressures in Aliwal North. Our work includes designing a feasibility study, planning and design and implementation of the construction work.

The Joe Gqabi (previously Ukhahlamba District Municipality) is the Water Services Authority in the north western region of the Eastern Cape. It has an area of jurisdiction that includes four local municipalities. The District Municipality appointed Rand Water for support in resolving the existing low water supply pressures. During the meeting held in early March 2010, the representatives of the two municipalities explained the background and need for an improved water pressure, possibly via an elevated water tower. A new residential area was also to be developed close to the Municipality's existing Springs Reservoir site which is at nearly the same level as the existing reservoir. Low water pressure was identifi ed as a key challenge on this project, as some households were experiencing periods with no, or low water supply, when the reservoir was at a low level during peak demands. Furthermore, additional housing in the area was also being planned for by the Municipality. An initial budget of R3 million was allocated to appoint Rand Water for the investigation work during 2010 - 2011. After the investigative works, the revised budget for the project has been estimated at R4.5 million.

50 • Supply and Installation of Mag Flow Meters

Client: Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Budget: R 1.1 million Project Duration: August 2010 to November 2010

The scope of our work included the supply and installation of magfl ow meters on two critical lines viz. the Emerald Hill Rising Main (600mm Internal Diameter) and the Airport Rising Main (300mm Internal diameter). The critical aspect of the project was the removal of a section of an existing pipeline and for installing a replacement rig.

• Operations and Maintenance of a Pipeline at Sasol in Secunda

Client: SASOL Budget: R 336 000.00 Project Duration: February 2011 to January 2012

Rand Water has been involved with the design, construction supervision and operations and maintenance of a water pipeline to the SASOL plant in Secunda. This project ended on 31 January 2011, but has been extended for an additional year. Rand Water’s revised role in the project is to operate and maintain this bulk water pipeline on behalf of Sasol.

• Operations of the Grootvlei Raw Water Treatment Plant

Client: Eskom Budget: R 10.6 Million Project Duration: September 2010 – August 2013.

The Grootvlei Raw Water Treatment Works purify water from the Vaal Dam and pump it to the Grootvlei Power Station by means of a 45 kilometres buried pipeline. This water is treated at the Power Station and is used during its cooling processes. The initial three year contract which included maintenance, was awarded to Rand Water in January 2007. At the end of that term, Eskom advertised the tender for operations only, and Rand Water was offered the contract for a further three years. The new Management Contract commenced on 1 September 2010 and will run until 31 August 2013.

• Sector Support Services

Rand Water continued to support Government in its national priorities to improve service delivery. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) appointed Rand Water in April 2011 to be an implementing agent for specifi c programs. A budget of R8million was allocated to this Implementing Agent Agreement for the 2011 - 12 fi nancial year of COGTA. Our work will entail the provision of resources to support Municipalities in the areas of Municipal Infrastructure planning funding and development, and operation and maintenance of water scheme s.

51 Our Preparations for Expansion

Acid mine drainage is the fl ow, or seepage, of polluted water from old mining areas. Depending on the area, the water may contain toxic heavy metals and radioactive particles. These are dangerous for people’s health, as well as plants and animals. Our Bulk Sanitation Services works in partnership with a number of local municipalities to address acid mine drainage, as well as implementing wastewater maintenance and effl uent monitoring programmes.

During the year under review, the decanting of acid mine demand. Since most of the applications are made for mines to be drainage into the waterways within our area of supply received established in the upper reaches of our Vaal River catchment area, signifi cant local and international media coverage. Acid Mine it is a source of concern for us. Drainage (AMD), refers to the outfl ow of acidic water from The contamination of South Africa’s water sources with raw (usually abandoned) metal or coal mines. A Rand Water affi liated sewage is a national concern, and this was highlighted by the trade union UASA, through the Federation of Unions of South Africa release of the Department of Water Affairs’ 2010 Green Drop (FEDUSA), lodged a formal complaint with South Africa’s National Certifi cation Report. The Report indicated that only 5% (40 out of Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) on the matter. the 821 assessed) of municipalities in the country achieved the Depending on the area where the decanting occurs, the water Green Drop certifi cation. may contain toxic heavy metals and radioactive particles.

The Department awards Green Drop certifi cation to municipalities These are dangerous to human health, as well as plants and that have complied with 90% of the criteria set for wastewater animals, and pose serious threats with respect to possible sinkhole management. formation and obviously the pollution of receiving streams. The government’s Inter-Ministerial Task Team has already released Our work in the Bulk Sanitation sector its technical report on this matter wherein it outlines the activities for is a signifi cant expansion within the the implementation of short-term solutions. water sector, allowing us to provide

Environmental activists have also voiced their concern with the sanitation service solutions to water potential association of acid mine water and the high number of service authorities and institutions mining applications for new coal mines to feed Eskom’s increased within and beyond our area of supply.

52 Our partnerships in this regard with municipalities and Department to Green Drop Certifi cation requirements. Rand Water also of Water Affairs have provided opportunities to address the established an Industrial Effl uent Monitoring Programme (IEMP) sanitation challenges so that our country’s environmental assets and where the activities of ‘wet’ industries are assessed, categorised natural resources are sustainably protected for all South Africans. and properly billed by using the municipal by-laws as a regulatory tool in order to contain the levels of effl uent being discharged into Our Bulk Sanitation services are sanctioned by the Water Services the municipal sewer networks. Act No 108 of 1997 and include; assessment of wastewater treatment plants and providing site specifi c recommendations We have already observed that the implementation of the IEMP to municipalities to ensure effl uent compliance to Department of is yielding positive results with the majority of the industries in Water Affairs’ Green Drop Certifi cation audit; the management Emfuleni making efforts to comply. The organic loads discharged and maintenance of the wastewater treatment works; capacity by industries have decreased signifi cantly by 19% for the building and the training of process controller; industrial effl uent 2010 - 2011 fi nancial year as compared to that of the monitoring programme; refurbishment and process upgrade of previous year. water and wastewater treatment works; the management of the pump station; and the refurbishment of Acid Mine Drainage. A decrease in the percentage of uncontrolled raw sewage spillage into the Vaal River from the sewer pump stations has also Our key Bulk Sanitation projects during the year under review been observed. This is largely because of our recommendations were rendered both within and outside of area of supply; contained in an implementation plan that included the Emfuleni Local Municipality refurbishment of aging pipelines, valves and pumps at the critical pump stations in the Vereeniging area. We also provided stand-by Rand Water entered into a 5 year partnership with the Emfuleni vacuum tanker services and maintenance personnel for the pump Local Municipality for the operation and maintenance of its stations, should the need arise, to react on an emergency. sewage pump stations and three of its Wastewater Treatment Plants, capacity building, implementation of Industrial Effl uent Emfuleni Local Municipality, out of 12 municipalities that were Monitoring Programme (IEMP) and process upgrades. These assessed in the 2010 - 2011 Green Drop audit in Gauteng, was interventions have resulted in an improvement in effl uent ranked in position seven with respect to its compliance. compliance of the wastewater treatment and their compliance

The Department of Water Affairs commended us on the quality of work in refurbishing and commissioning the Brugspruit Water Pollution Control Plant; and said that our services contributes to the alleviation of poverty and unemployment.

53 We have been re-appointed to operate and maintain Brugspruit where we remain committed to providing solutions against the threat of acid mine drainage.

Thembisile Hani Local Municipality The latest Green Drop audit results indicated a distinct variance in compliance by the two plants. Even though there are improvements Our partnership with the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality to from the previous audit, Rand Water stressed that urgent provide bulk sanitation services began in 2009, and included interventions are necessary in order to address the non-compliance the provision of operational, maintenance and capacity building of effl uent discharge, as well as the need for technical capacity to services to its Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Works. be developed by the two municipalities. A highlight for us in addressing the skills shortage that existed at the municipality, is that our Rand Water Foundation appointed During the year under review, we undertook a feasibility study on four local unemployed Science-Engineering graduates at the behalf of the Midvaal Local Municipality to examine the effi ciency Wastewater Treatment Works to be trained and capacitated as of its Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works. The outcome of our process controllers. study, which included a statistical analysis of raw sewage disposal, and analysis of the existing wastewater treatment infrastructure, The need for a Regional Sanitation Scheme in the Vaal made recommendations among others, for a signifi cant extension to the plant. We have noted that there is a need for a regional sanitation scheme in the Vaal region of Gauteng. The current over burdened Following our recommendations made to the Emfuleni Local hydraulic capacity at the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Municipality in 2009, which included the upgrading of the Works in Emfuleni Local Municipality, (operated and maintained Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Works in order to improve by ourselves and the Municipality) and that of the Meyerton hydraulic capacity, we can report that design work for its upgrade Wastewater Treatment Works at the Midvaal Local Municipality, is has reached an advanced stage. During the year under review, making it extremely diffi cult for the individual treatment systems to we were also appointed by Emfuleni as the Project Manager to meet their legislative requirements and their adherence to Green oversee an Environmental Impact Assessment of the upgrade of its Drop Certifi cation compliance. Sebokeng and Rietspruit Wastewater Treatment Works.

54 Brugspruit Water Pollution Control Plant (Acid Mine At the close of our assignment in March 2011 we had refurbished Drainage Neutralisation Plant) all the sewer pump stations utilising local service providers most notably for the cleaning and removal of the sludge from the pump In September 2008, we were appointed by the Department of stations. The supply chain management of electrical, mechanical Water Affairs to refurbish and commission the Brugspruit Water and civil materials done locally in order to address job creation. Pollution Control Plant in Mpumalanga. The scope of our work included the replacement of all the Plant’s electrical and mechanical From a health perspective, residents from the Municipality’s equipment, its civil structures, and commissioning the plant to its full adjacent Klarinet 3 Township are no longer exposed to the operation. negative effects of sewage spillage as a consequence of the intermittent operation of the sewage pump station. The Department The Plant was successfully refurbished and commissioned in August of Water Affairs also appointed Rand Water for the refurbishment 2010. The Department of Water Affairs commended Rand Water of the Municipality’s Riverview Wastewater Treatment Works. saying “the quality of its work that enabled us to achieve our goals The project commenced in January 2011 and we anticipate to of protecting our water resources and providing the required water be completed by the end of August 2011. The major goal of the services to our communities, thereby contributing to the alleviation project is to minimise the discharge of non-compliant fi nal effl uent of poverty and unemployment”. We have subsequently been re- to the Olifants River. appointed to operate and maintain Brugspruit where we remain committed to providing solutions against the threat of acid mine The quest for innovation drainage. We are engaged with a Finnish-based wastewater treatment Moqhaka Local Municipality technologies company on research to improve wastewater effl uent quality through the introduction of tested technologies Following our assessment of its water and wastewater treatment and chemicals. These technologies have been proven to reduce plants in January 2010 at the Moqhaka Local Municipality in odour and microbiological pollution when they are used at the Northern Free State, we were appointed as Service Provider wastewater treatment plants. We are also in talks with a Japanese for the refurbishment of mechanical equipment at its Kroonstad based company on innovative mechanisms to address acid mine Wastewater Treatment Plant. Our work was completed in drainage at the eMalahleni Local Municipality. This is with a view December 2010 and formally handed back to the Municipality. to re-using the effl uent from the Brugspruit Acid Mine Drainage Plant An important aspect of our work was to establish measures that for industrial and potable water use. We anticipate installing a would minimise the community’s exposure to health hazards due pilotplant later this year which will be operational for at least fi ve to the non-compliant discharge of effl uent into the Vals River, years. which also posed an environmental threat. At all phases of our operations, we employed the services of local companies and workers in order to create jobs, address poverty and to contribute toward local economic development. eMalahleni Local Municipality

In April 2010, the eMalahleni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga approached us to assist with the challenges it was experiencing with respect to water services, most notably for the refurbishment of its Klarinet 2&3 and Bush sewer pump stations. The scope of our work included the re-instating and re-furbishment of all damaged and missing mechanical and electrical equipment as well as the Rand Water conducts routine maintenance at the Brugspruit Water Pollution re-building of civil structures and installation of palisade fence. Control Plant.

55 Our Supply Chain Management Process

Rand Water is an organ of the state and is governed by the legislative framework of South Africa as determined and enacted by the South African Government. Our Supply chain management Policy is in line with government’s objectives for supply chain management and serves to assist Rand Water in the smooth implementation of supply chain management practices. Here, Hein du Preez, Mxolisi Dlamini and Prags Govender from our Scientifi c Services Division consult the Policy before they commence with the supply chain management of chemicals, maintenance and effl uent monitoring programmes.

We consider transformation as an essential element of our business, which in itself is integral to the development of the country.

We are committed to addressing the imbalances of the past, not We set ourselves a BEE target of 80% with a stretch to 83%, only with regard to our human resource processes, but also in our and we attained 91%. commercial equity priorities. Our Supply Chain Management Policy strives to: Our Supply Chain Management Policy is based on the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and the Department of • Provide an appropriate acquisition process for Trade and Industry’s Code of Good Practice. The Policy is aimed the supply chain management of all goods and services. at the inclusion of previously disadvantaged individuals on to the • Ensure that the supply chain management process is fair, supplier base for goods and services. It also allows for the setting transparent, equitable, competitive and cost effective. and reviewing of targets to ensure that progress is made toward the organisation’s BEE targets. • Promote the objectives of the Commercial Equity policy. We have developed governance processes and strategies to ensure excellence and integrity in supply chain management. • Ensure that the supply chain management processes During the year under review we again exceeded the targets we comply with the legal framework that governs set for ourselves with regard to strategic sourcing. Rand Water.

56 Group Forensic Services certain category staff members before the Strategic Human Capital portfolio makes formal offers of employment to potential candidates. Rand Water’s Group Forensic Services is an independent assurance function established by Rand Water’s Management A total of 340 new staff reference checks were performed during and Board to identify, prevent and report on white collar crime the period July 2010 to June 2011. risk areas. The Division is also mandated to investigate any irregular and potentially criminal conduct; non-compliance to The Division also undertakes vendor reference checks on new policy procedures; and to assist with the prosecution of identifi ed vendors, on behalf of our Supply Chain Management division, offenders with a view to recover identifi ed losses. in order to ensure that any prospective suppliers of goods and services declare all relevant information before engaging with the Group Forensic Services is also responsible for educating organisation. management and staff in respect to their role in the effective combating of fraud by creating awareness of the potential of A total of 704 new Vendor reference checks were performed white collar crime. The Division is also responsible for promoting during the year under review. the ‘Rand Water Code of Ethics’ and for ensuring awareness levels are raised in order to decrease fraud risk exposure in Rand The Division also developed and introduced Rand Water’s Water. In this regard, awareness sessions are held, and articles Fraud Prevention Plan, a strategy that is approved by National are published using our internal communication tools along with Department of Treasury. The Plan will be fully implemented in order induction sessions for all new staff members. to enhance Rand Water’s reputation as a responsible, ethical corporate citizen. During the year under review 49 investigations were launched following reports of fraud, corruption and other white collar crime. Rand Water has a dedicated Fraud Hotline - 0800 212 364 which The Division completed twelve audits into various processes in is managed by an external service provider that allows for staff, order to pro-actively identify white collar crime risk exposure, and contractor and suppliers as well as members of the public, to also introduced preventative control measures to reduce Rand anonymously report irregularities that will be attended to by the Water’s fraud risk exposure. Group Forensic Division, or other management structures.

Pro-Active Forensic Audits, in accordance with the Fraud Prevention Internal Audit Plan focused on the following: In recent years, internal audit processes have internationally • Conducting high level Forensic Audits to undergone signifi cant changes with regard to how these audits identify fraud and crime risk that departments should be undertaken. Most notably, there has been a visible are exposed to. move from process-based audits to ones that are risk-based, while also embracing the key principles of governance and risk • Identifying possible irregularities and ensuring management. Rand Water’s Internal Audit unit is considered critical compliance to relevant policies and procedures. to the organisation and has an independent appraisal function

• Identifying and preventing white collar crime established to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of our in management procedures (e.g. orders, controls, disciplines, systems and procedures in order to reduce deliveries, collusion, falsifi cation of data, etc.) business risks to acceptable and cost effective levels and to ensure the achievement of the organisation’s objectives. • Preparing and initiating fraud prevention actions. The head of Rand Water’s Internal Audit unit reports functionally The outcomes of audits are reported to the relevant structures for to the Audit Committee, and administratively to the Group implementation. Governance Executive, and also attends the meetings of the Board’s Audit Committee. He also attends the meetings of the PIC The Division also conducts forensic reference verifi cation checks on by invitation.

57 Rand Water’s Internal Audit unit is considered critical to the organisation and has an independent appraisal function established to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of our controls, disciplines, systems and procedures

To deliver value added service at Rand Water, the Internal Audit unit has found it imperative to emphasise the importance of • The adoption of a risk-based plan and differentiators rather than focusing exclusively on qualifi ers. the importance of co-operation with other Qualifi ers are the standard audit processes internal audit must assurance providers. accomplish daily. These include assurance work, audit reports, work The Internal Audit unit has undertaken the following processes paper documentation and training and development. Differentiators amid the evolving enterprise risks and recession to add push the internal audit team to strive for excellence and underscore its strategic value to the organisation: ability to deliver distinctive value to the organisation.

• Linking the organisation’s strategic objectives We have a formal charter in place to regulate the functions of and value-drivers to those that fall within the the Internal Audit unit, as well as a detailed audit plan based on scope of internal audit. risk assessments and issues raised at the Board, the Audit sub- committee and Portfolio Integrating Committee (PIC) meetings. • Responding to stakeholders’ expectations of internal audit, and the priorities of the The Internal Audit unit has focused on the following key issues, Board, the Audit Committee and the Portfolio which are championed by the Board and the Portfolio Integrating Integrating Committee (PIC). Committee (PIC), which insisted on a more tangible demonstration of the performance of Rand Water’s Internal Audit unit: • Identifying ineffi cient processes and eliminating routine low-value audits. • Focusing on client management, to include knowledge sharing and fostering partnerships • Regularly reviewing the updated internal audit with line managers, and returning the plan together with the implementation of ownership of controls to management. cost-reduction measures with key stakeholders to further improve support for internal audit • Re-directing its processes from detection processes. to prevention; and identifying solutions to challenges. • Maintaining the alignment with the changing risk profi le of Rand Water. • Focusing on a risk-based approach with its audit processes. • Attracting and retaining internal audit human resource talent and increasing the business • Adding value to Rand Water’s organisational and operational knowledge of staff. objectives, strategies, risks and corporate governance priorities. • Leveraging technology to optimise audit operations. • Greater emphasis on technology, i.e. automated work papers, computer assisted audit software, etc.

58 Our Approach to Water Demand Management

During the year under review, our Water Wise Education Team continued their advocacy work with the Water Wise message through a range of educational and entertaining activities. The unit successfully established partnerships and strengthened existing ones with the Johannesburg Zoo, Johannesburg City Parks, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Birdlife Africa, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE). These partnerships will ensure that the Water Wise message spreads to as many people as is possible.

Corporate Communications Corporate Communications also manages our relationships with local and international media houses. It has provided Rand Water’s Corporate Communications division is responsible for support to other divisions within Rand Water, by means of event internal and external communication. During the year under review, management, international liaison, national, provincial and the department has continued to support the Board and the PIC, and local government engagement, the provision of information and has added value in raising the profi le of the organisation. This was corporate gifts for key stakeholders. achieved by way of events, publications, conferences, exhibitions, stakeholder engagement, and the content management of the Rand During the year under review, we have developed a media Water website and intranet. Relations Strategy that advocates for the pro-active engagement

59 with the media. This yielded among others, free media coverage of promoting water conservation messages with communities with an advertising value equivalent (AVE) – the monetary value within our area of supply. These engagements often involve attached to free media coverage, of R 660 000.00 for both partnerships with our local government partners, including electronic and print media during the year under review. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Emfuleni Local Municipality During this period more than 400 news articles were generated, and Kungwini Local Municipality. which were published by media organisations based locally Rand Water Foundation and internationally.During the year under review, Rand Water’s Established as our corporate social investment arm, the Foundation website, www.randwater.co.za was visited by 249 229 unique is registered as a non - profi t, Section 21 Entity. visitors, with visitors to the site showing a keen interest in data on water and infrastructure, and sales and customer service. The vision of the Foundation is to;

Internal liaison • Promote the delivery of water services to underprivileged communities. Our Corporate Communications division created several activities to support internal communication during the year under review. • To co-ordinate, administer and manage Rand Water’s The events were specifi cally to bring our staff together in accordance corporate social investment resources through with the organisation’s values. Internal information sharing within undertaking community development projects in the organisation is made easy by means of a weekly electronic partnership with donors and the relevant stakeholders. newsletter. The newsletter communicates organisational information • Play a strategic developmental role that may require with a solid human interest focus; this is apart from the bulk e-mail decisions that are not always optimal from a commercial messages which are sent to all staff as necessary. perspective, but contribute to Rand Water’s socio- International liaison economic developmental imperatives, the developmental priorities of the Department of Water Affairs; the Corporate Communications also provided strategic planning and government’s broader objectives and growth and co-ordination services profi ling the organisation abroad and also development in South Africa and the Continent. when Rand Water receives international delegations. Rand Water has regular professional engagements with Projects counterpart organisations across the globe. During the year under review, Rand Water participated in sector-related events including The following projects were undertaken by the Rand Water Foundation a high-level collaboration with the United Nations Human • Gauteng School Sanitation Project Settlements Programme (UN–HABITAT) on World Water Day; we have also participated in sector related events in Singapore and The intent is to provide or improve access to domestic waste Sweden. Rand Water also hosted delegates from the Continent disposal systems for schools through partnership funding. At the and Asia on study tours to its head offi ce and purifi cation plants. identifi ed schools (in disadvantaged communities) the existing

ablution blocks were refurbished; 5951individuals (learners Stakeholder relations and educators) were the benefi ciaries of this Project. A health We have supported the Department of Water Affairs on numerous and hygiene educational programme at the schools was also professional sector-related activities. We also initiated numerous incorporated into the Project. engagements with the Provincial Legislatures in Gauteng, the North • Unemployed Graduates Development: West, Mpumalanga and the Free State, as well as local authorities Capacity Building at Municipal Waste within our area of supply, and have followed these up with key networking engagements for members of the board and the PIC. The intent is to contribute towards improving the capacity at municipalities for the operations and maintenance of their waste We also continued to use our Water Wise sub-brand as a means

60 water treatment plants. This is done in order to restore the waste • Construction of structures to control erosion in wetlands and water treatment plants to their optimum capacity, and assist trapping sediments resulting in a rise of the water table; municipalities with their compliance to the Department of Water • Prevention of secondary erosion in previously rehabilitated Affairs’ Green Drop compliance requirements. wetlands;

The benefi ciaries are the Emfuleni, Kungwini, Midvaal, Merafong • Highlighting the importance of wetlands among land owners City, Lesedi, Westonaria, Nokeng Tsa Taemane, Mogale City and communities and Randfontein Local Municipalities. The programme resulted in 222 Process Controllers; 32 Assessors (Municipal employees); • Urban Landscaping and Greening 29 qualifi ed in coaching; and 108 unemployed young people 200,000 indigenous trees have been planted in a partnership qualifying in Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants NQF between the Rand Water Foundation and the City of Johannesburg. Level 2 Learnerships. A further 22 unemployed graduates have The Project was targeted at communities in Lenasia, Kliptown and also undergone technical training as a specialist category in the Soweto, and created jobs for many unemployed people. operations and maintenance of waste water treatment plants. The municipalities have made a commitment to permanently • Bantubonke Hydroponics Farming Cooperative (Ltd). employ the graduates after the completion of their training. The Project is located in the Bantubonke community area, in the Midvaal Local Municipality and is intended to address issues • Lesotho Schools Water Supply of unemployment, poverty, and building within the community. The intent is to provide and/or improve access to water for The Project has seen the establishment of 21 SMME’s and the domestic use by the disadvantaged schools in Lesotho. The project development of market linkages to the Johannesburg, Pretoria and benefi ciaries are 2901 individuals (learners and educators) Springs Fresh Produce Markets. from the Leribe Secondary School in the Leribe Community Area; Hleoheng High School in the Maputsoe Community area; Masenathe High in the Bothabothe Community area; Morate English Medium School, in the Kolonyama Community Area; and Bokoro High in Teyateyaneng. The project included the drilling and installation of boreholes and pumps at all the schools; three schools acquired rain water harvesting equipment; and a solar energy system was installed at two schools to facilitate the pumping of water.

• Rehabilitation of Wetlands

The Wetlands Rehabilitation Projects are primarily aimed at water and environment conservation management; and the alleviation of poverty within local communities as a secondary target. The Wetland Rehabilitation Projects at the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve in Bronkhorspruit, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, and an initiative with the Agricultural Research Commission near Kaalspruit River and in Tswaing in Soshanguve incorporated the following:

• The maintenance of existing wetland rehabilitation systems Moeketsi More, involved in the hydroponic farming project in the Bantubonke community, says the project taught her agricultural skills, to improve their functioning; Stabilising of ‘head-cuts’ business skills, hydroponic production and how to gather information. erosion in wetlands; deactivation of incised channels; “All these skills will make sure that my family is never poor again.”

61