Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dr Igor Scheurkogel MP.
- Draft dam regulations would have stifled economic lifelines.
- DA fought alongside thousands to successfully halt it.
- Removing red tape supports local economies.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has fought alongside communities to oppose draconian water regulations that have now been halted for further consultation.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) proposed regulations to bar public access to government waterworks, which includes public dams. This would have had a devastating impact on jobs, tourism, and local economies that rely heavily on public access to South Africa’s dams and water sites.
The DWS has since announced that the proposed draconian regulations have been placed on hold.
The DA supports minimising barriers to entry and reforming the regulatory environment to support small businesses, grow the economy and create jobs.
This development follows extensive public participation and objections submitted by thousands of South Africans, businesses, tourism operators, recreational users, property owners, and civil society organisations.
The DA specifically objected to aspects of the proposed framework because it threatened to severely limit public access to dams, tourism activities, recreational use, and the rights of existing businesses and communities that have operated around dams for decades. The Department has now explicitly acknowledged concerns regarding public access, private landowners, and the implementation of Resource Management Plans.
We want to sincerely thank every South African who took the time to participate in the public consultation process, submit objections, raise concerns, and make their voices heard. This outcome demonstrates why public participation matters in a constitutional democracy.
Too often citizens believe that regulations, laws, and government decisions are predetermined and that public comments make no difference.
This process has proven the exact opposite. When South Africans actively participate, government is compelled to listen, reconsider, and improve proposed regulations to better reflect the needs and realities of the people.
The DA believes that meaningful public participation is essential to building policies that protect constitutional rights, support economic activity, promote tourism, and preserve public access to shared national assets such as our dams and waterways.
We will continue to closely monitor the next phase of consultations to ensure that any revised regulations remain practical, balanced, and respectful of the rights and livelihoods of South Africans.