Free State Water Sector Collaboration

1. Free State Water Sector Collaboration Presentation by: LB Mabaso 05 March 2007 Masibambane Coordinators Orientation Tropicana Hotel Durban

2. Contents • Brief Background • Approach • Some practical examples • Challenges • Lessons learnt • Conclusion

3. Brief Background • FS Water Sector Forum revitalized April 2004 • Main partners were DWAF, SALGA, Local Municipalities (WSAs), Civil Society, Department of Local Government & Housing, Department of Health, Department of Education (to a certain extent) and others who would be available on an Ad Hoc basis • SALGA and DWAF identified as Chairs/ Champions for the Water Sector Forum • Four Water Sector Forum Task Teams were identified: PSTT, PJRT, Planning and Institutional Development. • Task Teams led by various Water Sector partners, e.g. PJRT led by Local Government & Housing, PSTT led by DWAF • ToRs were drafted and adopted by the Forum • Provincial Water Sector plan drafted and adopted by the Forum

4. Approach • Make use of what you already have, the structures and some of their functions, work with and within those structures and add value in their issues and/or functions. • Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, challenges of the existing structures and know the dynamics of the Province. • Use the strengths of the other Water Sector partners or individuals within those structures. • DWAF, as the Water Sector leader, should lead from behind were necessary. • Proactive ness, innovation, initiative and the application of some measure of flexibility. • Operate with the mouth sometimes shut, the eyes, ears and mind open.

5. Some Practical Examples • Usage of the priorities of the Minister as a platform to support WSAs. e.g. Water loss/demand, DWQ issues. • Usage of the SONA/SOPA to address the needs/ priorities for the sector. • LG&H not having a specific dedicated section for Water and Sanitation, usage of the opportunity to fill the gap and provide support and engage with the sector and the MEC becoming the champion of the Water Sector. • Usage of the IGR structures of the Premier to raise issues. • Usage of the Social Cluster and their action plan to address Water and Sanitation issues. • Usage of the ad hoc engagements with the offices of the MEC, the Premier and the other Water Sector partners. • Usage of other platforms where DWAF is invited, e.g. the recent debt collection summit.

6. Challenges • Duplications of structures/functions/support. • Lack of commitment from the other Water Sector partners. • Lack of attendance of meetings/workshops and other engagements, especially by the decision makers from the WSAs and the other water sector partners. • Lack of champions for some other Water Sector issues. • Changing leadership and/or officials from the WSAs

7. Lessons Learnt • The water sector partners cannot afford to work in silos, collaboration is very important. • Collaboration even outside the formal collaboration structures can achieve results. • Never underestimate the importance of political championship. • Knowledge of the (political) dynamics of the region is very important.

8. Conclusion • The uniqueness of the Provinces is acknowledged and appreciated. • What works good in one Province may not necessarily work in another, there is no one size fits all. • Do what is best for your Province. • Always try to turn lemon into lemonade. • Learn by doing, do not be the spectator

9. Thank you for your attention