ERWAT

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

[WATCH] ERWAT MD Kennedy Chihota highlighted the study commissioned by ERWAT to address upstream pollution challenges currently affecting the plant.

Despite these challenges, the plant’s water quality compliance improved from 43% to 85%.

ERWAT has also achieved 100% compliance with all directives received from the Department of Water and Sanitation.

08/10/2026

Happening now | Strengthening accountability in water pollution management

ERWAT is hosting Department of Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom at Hartebeestfontein Water Care Works today, Thursday, 8 October 2026, as part of the launch of the National Polluter Register an initiative aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public access to information on water pollution.

The visit provides an opportunity to showcase ERWAT’s ongoing efforts to improve wastewater treatment performance while addressing the challenges posed by illegal industrial discharges and pollution incidents.

The session was guided by Ms Shuntelle Gow, Executive Manager: Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation.

The delegation included members of the City of Ekurhuleni leadership:

* Cllr Jean Sthato, MMC for Metro Trading Services
* Cllr Nomadlozi Nkosi, MMC for Operations and Maintenance
* Mr Thokozani Maseko, HOD: Water and Sanitation

ERWAT Managing Director, Mr Kennedy Chihota, presented on Hartebeestfontein Water Care Works, highlighting both the challenges facing the facility and the progress achieved. Water quality compliance has improved significantly, from 43% in July 2025 to 84% in September 2026, demonstrating the impact of corrective interventions and ongoing operational improvements.

The presentation was followed by a plant tour led by Mr Mpho Makgatha, Executive: Operations and Maintenance, who led the delegation through the facility and provided insight into the plant’s treatment processes and operations.

ERWAT remains committed to excellence in water care, environmental protection and strengthening partnerships that support cleaner water resources and accountable wastewater management.

06/10/2026

ERWAT Prioritises Employee Wellness

ERWAT recently hosted a three-day Wellness Workshop, led by the Health Services Division, aimed at promoting holistic employee well-being and creating a healthier, more supportive workplace.

The workshop covered a range of important topics that impact employees both personally and professionally, including:

🔹 Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
🔹 Testosterone and men’s health
🔹 Workplace bullying
🔹 Financial health and wellness
🔹 Mental and emotional well-being
🔹 And other important health and wellness topics

The sessions provided employees with valuable information, practical guidance and an opportunity to engage openly on matters that contribute to a healthier and more productive workplace.

At ERWAT, we recognise that employee well-being is an essential part of organisational excellence. By creating spaces for learning, awareness and support, we continue to invest in our people and build a workplace where employees can thrive.

Excellence in water care starts with caring for our people. 💧

01/10/2026

🚨 HAPPENING NOW | ERWAT Board Lekgotla 2026

ERWAT leadership has convened for a two-day Board Lekgotla, creating a focused platform for reflection, strategic alignment and meaningful engagement on the organisation’s priorities.

Facilitated by Africa International Advisors (AIA), the programme is centred on key organisational priorities, including:

🔹 Green Drop Improvement & Wastewater Excellence
🔹 Infrastructure Delivery & Development Grant Utilisation
🔹 Commercialisation & Financial Sustainability
🔹 Opex & Capex Optimisation

Under the theme “Act. Reflect. Correct. Effect. Powering to the Next Level Through Digital, Data and Smart Technology,” the Lekgotla provides an opportunity to review ERWAT’s progress, assess the evolving operating environment and align on strategic priorities that will shape the organisation’s future.

The session follows the Management Lekgotla held in July 2026, building on the discussions and strategic priorities established during that session and further strengthening alignment between ERWAT’s Board and Executive Management.

The Lekgotla brings together ERWAT Board leadership, Executive Management and key stakeholders, including the City of Ekurhuleni MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance, Ald Nomadlozi Nkosi.

ERWAT Board Leadership

• Ms Ursula Ntsubane – Chairperson
• Mr Bohani Shingange – Board Member
• Ms Babalwa Lobbie – Board Member
• Mr Roy Mkhonza – Board Member
• Mr Tshilidzi Nephawe – Board Member
• Mr Kennedy Chihota – Managing Director

ERWAT Executive Management

• Ms Zimasa Socikwa – Company Secretary
• Ms Alison Chapman – Executive Manager: Scientific Services
• Ms Shuntelle Gow – Executive Manager: Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation
• Mr Mpho Makgatha – Executive Manager: Operations
• Ms Gratitude Ramphaka – Chief Financial Officer
• Mr Ashton Bodrick – Executive Manager: Commercial Business
• Mr Emmanuel Khomela – Executive Manager: Infrastructure Planning & Projects
• Ms Nonhlanhla Mhlungu – Executive Manager: Human Resources

The Board Lekgotla reinforces ERWAT’s commitment to strategic leadership, operational excellence, innovation and sustainable water resource management as the organisation continues to power to the next level.

Excellence in Water Care.

29/09/2026

🌱 ERWAT Greening Initiative | Planting the Seeds for a Sustainable Future

Today, ERWAT hosted a Greening Initiative at Herbert Bickley Water Care Works (WCW) in Nigel, one of ERWAT’s high-performing plants, which achieved third place nationally in the 2025/26 Green Drop Awards.

Hosted in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the initiative brought together government representatives, stakeholders and ERWAT employees in support of environmental stewardship and community service.

The programme opened with a prayer by Mr Chris Zulu, Maintenance Manager: DD5, setting the tone for the day’s activities. Proceedings were expertly facilitated by Ms Lelentle Motaung, Sales Engineer and Programme Director, who highlighted the significance of the initiative and its contribution to environmental sustainability.

Ms Promise Dhlamini, Manager: Herbert Bickley WCW, welcomed attendees and delivered the safety share for the day.

Representing DFFE, Mr Themba Dlamini highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting the national drive to plant one billion trees across South Africa, while encouraging continued collaboration towards environmental restoration and sustainability.

Mr Kabelo Sehlati, District Manager: DD5, reaffirmed ERWAT’s commitment to sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

🌳 Planting the Seeds

The tree-planting programme was led by Mr Sehlati, who planted the first indigenous tree and named it “Mapula”, meaning rain, in recognition of the rainy conditions that accompanied the day’s planting activities.

ERWAT, together with DFFE, planted more than 100 indigenous trees at Herbert Bickley WCW, contributing to efforts to restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, combat climate change and create a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.

This initiative also supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to plant one billion trees across South Africa.

Together, we are demonstrating that every action counts as we plant the seeds for a greener, healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. 🌱🌍

Excellence in Water Care.

24/09/2026

🇿🇦 Happy Heritage Day from ERWAT!

Today, we celebrate the rich heritage, diverse cultures and traditions that make South Africa unique.

Heritage Day reminds us to honour our past, embrace our diversity and continue building a future where we stand together in unity and purpose.

At ERWAT, we recognise that our strength lies in our people, whose different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives contribute to Excellence in Water Care.

Let us celebrate what makes us different while recognising what brings us together. 🤝🏾

United in our diversity, stronger together.

Happy Heritage Day! 🇿🇦

23/09/2026

🕊️ ERWAT HONOURS THE LIFE OF NTATE LEHLOHONOLO MOTSEME

Today, ERWAT came together to celebrate and honour the life of Ntate Lehlohonolo Motseme, who served as DD3 District Maintenance Manager.

The ERWAT Head Office Auditorium was filled with family, friends, colleagues, members of Executive Management and the broader ERWAT family, who gathered to pay tribute, share memories and reflect on his life and contribution to the organisation.

ERWAT Managing Director Mr Kennedy Chihota, together with members of the Executive Management team, joined the Motseme family and colleagues in remembering a valued colleague whose dedication and contribution touched many within the organisation.

Colleagues from ERWAT’s Water Care Works and other locations also joined virtually, demonstrating the strength of the ERWAT family as we came together in remembrance and support.

Today, we celebrate a life of service, the memories shared and the lasting impact Ntate Lehlohonolo made during his time with ERWAT.

Lala ngoxolo, Ntate Lehlohonolo Motseme. 🕊️

ERWAT – Excellence in Water Care

23/09/2026

💧 Day 2 | Water Infrastructure & Security Conference

ERWAT continued its participation at the 2026 Water Infrastructure & Security Conference, hosted by MillaSA, with Ms Lelentle Motaung, Sales Engineer from ERWAT’s Commercial Business Department, delivering an insightful presentation on the Sanitation Catalytic Project within the City of Ekurhuleni.

Her presentation highlighted the importance of strategic investment in sanitation infrastructure, with a particular focus on grant funding as an important mechanism to support the development, rehabilitation and upgrading of critical water and sanitation infrastructure.

The discussion also explored the growing role of treated wastewater reuse in building a sustainable and water-secure future. By treating wastewater to the appropriate quality for suitable applications, municipalities and industries can reduce pressure on potable water resources, improve resource efficiency and advance a more circular approach to water management. 💧♻️

The Sanitation Catalytic Project demonstrates how infrastructure investment, grant funding, innovative wastewater treatment and water reuse initiatives can work together to strengthen service delivery, improve infrastructure resilience and support sustainable economic development within the City of Ekurhuleni.

The presentation further emphasised the importance of collaboration between municipalities, water-sector organisations, industries, funding institutions and other stakeholders in developing practical and sustainable solutions to South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.

From wastewater to a valuable resource — investing in infrastructure, unlocking funding and advancing water reuse can help build a more resilient and water-secure future.

ERWAT — Excellence in Water Care.

22/09/2026

Ratanda Water Care Works Upgrade Project

The practical handover of the Ratanda Water Care Works (WCW) Upgrade Project, taking place from 21–23 September 2026.

The handover process marks an important stage in the project as the upgraded infrastructure begins transitioning from construction into testing, operation and performance monitoring.

The project represents a significant investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure, with the upgrade aimed at supporting the growth of Ratanda and the Obed “Mthombeni” Development, while providing additional capacity for future demand.