IUCMA

21/10/2026

19/10/2026

IUCMA Participates in the AWSISA Water Dialogue and El Niño 2026

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) was honoured to participate in the AWSISA Water Dialogue and El Niño 2026, hosted by AWSISA in partnership with Gauteng COGTA and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The dialogue centred on the theme “Responding to El Niño and Accelerating Sustainable Water Solutions.”
IUCMA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mokgema Mongane, played a key role in the proceedings as Programme Director, guiding discussions focused on strengthening water security and building regional resilience in the face of climate challenges.
The opening strategic session highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action, infrastructure preparedness, and sustainable water management. Mr. Sipho Mosai, Group Chief Executive of Rand Water, officially opened the dialogue, emphasising the importance of proactive collaboration across sectors to protect communities from the impacts of climate change.
In his keynote address, Honourable David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, outlined the significant implications of the El Niño phenomenon for South Africa’s water security. He called for meaningful, practical, and scalable solutions that will safeguard water resources for current and future generations.
The dialogue also brought together distinguished leaders, including:
Mr Ramateu Monyokolo, Chairperson of AWSISA
Mr Jacob Mamabolo, MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management
Mr Ewan Botha, MEC for Agriculture and Environment
The gathering provided an important platform for government, water utilities, and research institutions to strengthen partnerships, exchange insights, and advance practical responses to growing water security challenges.
As climate variability continues to place pressure on our water resources, collaboration and decisive action remain essential to building resilient water ecosystems and securing a sustainable water future.
The successful Gauteng Water Dialogue reaffirmed a shared commitment to turning conversations into action for sustainable water management and long-term water security.

15/10/2026

The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) Workshop, hosted by INMACOM, is currently underway in the Kingdom of Eswatini from 13 to 16 October 2026.

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) is represented at the workshop by Ms. Nyiko Ngobeni and Mr. Zoma Ndlovu.

The workshop features WOCAT working sessions and training focused on exploring the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in land degradation assessment, land-use change monitoring, sustainable land management, and water resources management.

Through these engagements, participants are strengthening regional collaboration and enhancing the use of geospatial technologies to support informed decision-making, ecosystem restoration, and the sustainable management of water resources.

15/10/2026

🍊 IUCMA Exhibits at the Mpumalanga Provincial Citrus Information Day

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) today participated as an exhibitor at the Mpumalanga Provincial Citrus Information Day, held in Mkhuhlu, Hazyview.

The event, hosted by the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the Citrus Growers’ Association Grower Development Company (CGA-GDC) and other key stakeholders, brought together stakeholders from across the citrus sector to share information, strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable agricultural development.

As part of its participation, the IUCMA showcased its mandate and engaged with farmers, agricultural stakeholders and members of the community on the responsible use, protection and sustainable management of water resources within the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area.

Water is fundamental to agriculture and food security. The IUCMA remains committed to working collaboratively with the agricultural sector and other stakeholders to promote water security, sustainable water use and resilient agricultural communities.
Sustainable agriculture starts with responsible water management.

07/10/2026

IUCMA SCIENCE SCHOOLS COMPETITION 2026/27 | EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA), in partnership with stakeholders within the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area, continues to invest in the development of young minds through the Science Schools Competition.

The programme is designed to introduce Grade 8 and 9 learners to Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering, with a particular focus on water science, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and careers in the water, environmental and technical sectors.

This year, participating learners will develop conceptual groundwater flow and accessibility models, demonstrating the importance of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus and exploring practical solutions for improving access to water for communities.

📚 EDUCATOR WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

📅 06 October 2026 – 13:00
📍 Elukwatini
Upper Komati & Usuthu North

📅 07 October 2026 – 13:00
📍 DWS Prorom Building, First Floor
Crocodile Sub-catchment | Ehlanzeni & Nkangala

📅 07 October 2026 – 13:00
📍 Block C Community Hall
Sabie-Sand Sub-catchment | Bohlabela

📅 08 October 2026 – 13:00
📍 Block C Community Hall
Lower Komati Sub-catchment | Ehlanzeni

📅 09 October 2026 – 13:00
📍 Piet Retief
Usuthu Sub-catchment | Gert Sibande

WHAT’S NEXT?

The first phase will take place at district/sub-catchment level, with the winning school from each area progressing to the Final Competition, scheduled for March 2027 during National Water Month.

The district competitions are planned for:

🔹 01 February 2027 – Ehlanzeni District | Crocodile River
🔹 03 February 2027 – Gert Sibande District | Upper & Northern Usuthu
🔹 05 February 2027 – Bohlabela District | Sand River
🔹 08 February 2027 – Bohlabela District | Sabie River
🔹 10 February 2027 – Ehlanzeni District | Lower Komati River
🔹 12 February 2027 – Gert Sibande District | Southern Usuthu

Through this initiative, IUCMA continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, environmental practitioners and water professionals while promoting sustainable water resource management.

Inspiring young minds today. Building a water-secure future tomorrow.

29/09/2026

SAND CATCHMENT STEWARDSHIP FORUM MEETING

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) participated in the Sand Catchment Stewardship Forum Meeting held on 28 September 2026 at the Sethlare Traditional Council in Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge.

The forum brought together key stakeholders, including community members, farmers, local government and SANParks, to engage on matters relating to the stewardship, protection and sustainable management of the Sand Catchment.

The meeting provided an important platform for stakeholders to discuss current priorities, as well as outstanding matters arising from previous engagements. IUCMA officials, including Mr Makhubele, responded to matters within their mandate and committed to escalating outstanding issues to Management for further consideration and appropriate action.

The constructive engagement contributed to reducing tensions and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. As a symbol of continued cooperation and environmental stewardship, SANParks and Mr Mashaba from the Sand Catchment presented trees to the Municipality and Mr Makhubele on behalf of IUCMA, reinforcing the shared commitment to environmental conservation.

The meeting commenced at 10:00 and concluded at 12:30. All protocols were observed, and no injuries or incidents were reported.

Working together to protect our water resources and strengthen sustainable catchment management.

29/09/2026

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) attended the Usuthu Catchment Management Forum Meeting, held at the Amsterdam Town Hall on 23 September 2026.

The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate collaboration among relevant stakeholders towards the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water resources within the region in a sustainable, efficient and equitable manner.

The meeting commenced at 10:00, and all protocols were duly observed. The engagement provided an important platform for stakeholders to share information, address water resource management matters, and strengthen collaboration towards sustainable water resource management in the Usuthu Catchment.

22/09/2026

Upper Komati Catchment Stewardship Forum Meeting

The Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) attended the Upper Komati Catchment Stewardship Forum Meeting, held at the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality Town Hall in Carolina.

The meeting brought together local communities, farmers, government authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to engage on matters affecting the sustainable management and protection of water resources within the Upper Komati Catchment. Key issues raised included water pollution, illegal mining activities, and other challenges affecting communities and water resources.

The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their concerns, experiences, and proposed interventions aimed at addressing these challenges through collaboration and coordinated stakeholder participation.

The Msobomvu Coal Social and Labour Plan (SLP), Calabash Modular Water Treatment Technology, and other participating stakeholders also contributed to the discussions and collaborative efforts towards addressing water and environmental challenges within the catchment.

The meeting commenced at 10:00 and is progressing successfully, with all protocols observed. No accidents or incidents have been reported.

18/09/2026

INKOMATI-USUTHU CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AGENCY (IUCMA)

EARLY WARNING BRIEFING:

EL NIÑO IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES

Date: 17 September 2026

HIGH PRIORITY

*1. SITUATION

Current national dam levels are >100% in most systems due to previous La Niña seasons. However, the South African Weather Service (SAWS), World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and SADC ENSO Reference Group have confirmed El Niño is firmly established and strengthening into a *very strong event*, persisting from July 2026 through March 2027.

*2. SEASONAL FORECAST*
- *Rainfall:* Below-normal rainfall expected Oct 2026 - Apr 2027 across summer rainfall region, including Mpumalanga / Inkomati-Usuthu. Models indicate a 70% chance that Oct-Dec deficits will exceed any El Niño year since 1950.
- *Temperature:* Above-normal temperatures and frequent heatwaves expected Aug - Dec 2026.
- *Confidence:* Temperature forecast - High confidence. Rainfall forecast - Moderate to high confidence.

*3. RISK TO IUCMA DESPITE FULL DAMS*
Full dams provide short-term security, not season-long security:
- *No inflow:* Summer inflow is expected to be 30-50% below average. We will operate on stored water only.
- *Accelerated loss:* High temperatures will increase open-water evaporation and irrigation demand by an estimated 20-30%.
- *Water quality deterioration:* As levels drop, risk of algal blooms, salinity, and low dissolved oxygen increases.
- *Groundwater failure:* Limited recharge will cause small farm dams and boreholes to fail, increasing demand on IUCMA bulk systems.

Historical precedent: The 2015/16 and 2023/24 El Niño events caused severe drought, crop failure, and water restrictions in this catchment.

*4. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS*

Dam Operations Apply conservative operating rule - maintain dams at 95-98% (controlled spills) and plan for low inflows. Operations Manager

Allocation Consider early restrictions (70-80% summer allocation) to agriculture and review assurance of supply.Water Use Authorisation

Stakeholder Comms

Issue early warning to irrigators to plant drought-tolerant varieties and adopt efficient irrigation. Stakeholder Engagement

Monitoring Weekly monitoring of dam levels, evaporation, and water quality (not monthly) from October. Resource Quality & Info

5. CONCLUSION

Entering El Niño at >100% storage is an advantage, but without conservative management, IUCMA risks rapid depletion and late-summer shortages. Early, proactive management now will reduce humanitarian, agricultural, and operational impacts later.

Sources:SAWS Seasonal Forecast Sept 2026; WMO El Niño Update Aug 2026; SADC ENSO Reference Group Statement.

18/09/2026

The IUCMA in partnership with DWS and Pegasus participated in the Kaaap River Catchment Compulsory Licensing Stakeholder Meeting at Barberton Rugby Klub on the 18th of September 2026.

The purpose of the meeting is to update stakeholders on the Kaap River Compulsory Licensing process, including its legal basis, technical and data requirements, and stakeholder obligation, which outline process and procedures from the current stage through to gazetting and inform them on what to expect and is expected of stakeholders in the Compulsory Licensing process.

Complaints were raised in line with questions as some of the stakeholders had challenges due to the changes processes, and their input taken into consideration as the IUCMA officials tried their best to answer or engaged to the needs of the stakeholders.

The exercise started earlier in the morning and no accident was reported until the end.