As pressure mounts on South Africa’s water systems, leadership at regional utilities has never been more critical. Leadership sat down with Lindokuhle Nzoyi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Amatola Water, to discuss operational realities, infrastructure challenges and the long-term vision for water security in the Eastern Cape
Amatola Water operates at the coalface of service delivery, quietly underpinning the ability of municipalities to meet their obligations to communities. Nzoyi describes the entity as a reliable regional utility working in close partnership with local government to provide bulk water and sanitation services as mandated by the Department of Water and Sanitation. “Our core responsibility is to support municipalities in fulfilling their service delivery obligations by ensuring the consistent supply of treated bulk water,” she explains.
Across the Eastern Cape, this responsibility spans a diverse and often demanding footprint. The organisation operates within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Amathole District Municipality, managing water treatment plants and bulk distribution systems that serve towns, rural communities and expanding urban areas. It is a role that requires both technical precision and operational resilience. Despite mounting sector pressures, Nzoyi emphasises that service reliability remains central. “We continue to prioritise responsiveness and the long-term security of water supply to the communities we collectively serve,” she says.
At the heart of this approach is a leadership style rooted in visibility and accountability. Nzoyi describes herself as collaborative and results-driven, with a strong emphasis on empowering employees and fostering innovation. “I believe in creating a culture of transparency and shared responsibility,” she notes. This philosophy is particularly relevant in a sector where coordination between stakeholders is essential. By maintaining a visible presence and encouraging engagement across the organisation, she aims to build trust internally and externally while ensuring decisions are anchored in sound governance.
Success, in this context, is defined with clarity and purpose. For Nzoyi, it is not an abstract concept but a measurable outcome tied directly to service delivery. “Success means delivering consistent, safe and reliable water services to the communities we serve,” she says. It also extends to sustainability—both operational and financial—as well as the strength of relationships with stakeholders. Ultimately, she adds, success is reflected in the confidence that customers and partners place in the organisation’s ability to deliver.
Yet the path to that success is not without obstacles. Like many water utilities across South Africa, Amatola Water faces the twin challenges of ageing infrastructure and growing demand. Population growth, climate variability and financial constraints within municipalities all contribute to increasing pressure on already stretched systems. Nzoyi is candid about these realities. “Some of the key challenges include ageing infrastructure, financial pressures within municipalities and the increasing demand for water services,” she says.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-layered strategy. Amatola Water is focusing on proactive maintenance to extend the lifespan of existing assets while simultaneously seeking funding for critical infrastructure upgrades. Strengthening partnerships with municipalities is another key priority, as is investing in capacity-building initiatives to ensure the organisation has the skills required to meet future demands. Governance and efficiency also feature prominently. “We are placing strong emphasis on accountability, with guidance from our Board,” Nzoyi explains.
This forward-looking approach is already evident in several projects currently under way. Among them is the James Kleynhans Phase 3 project in Makhanda, implemented on behalf of Makana Local Municipality, which aims to improve water supply in the area. The Ndevana Pumping Main steel replacement project is another significant initiative designed to enhance reliability across the network. Beyond municipal infrastructure, Amatola Water is also working with the Department of Education to improve water and sanitation facilities in schools across the province.
These projects underscore a broader point—water security is not achieved in isolation. It is the product of coordinated effort across multiple stakeholders. Nzoyi is clear that responsibility extends beyond the utility itself. “Ensuring smooth operations is a collective responsibility,” she says. Municipal partners, government departments, communities and private sector stakeholders all have a role to play. Practical contributions—such as timely payment for services, responsible water use and the protection of infrastructure from vandalism—are essential to maintaining system stability.
Looking ahead, Nzoyi’s vision for Amatola Water is both ambitious and grounded in the realities of the sector. She envisions an organisation that is resilient, innovative and financially sustainable—one that continues to deliver quality services while embracing modern technology and developing skilled professionals. “I want Amatola Water to become a benchmark for excellence in the water sector,” she says.
This vision is closely tied to the broader role that water plays in economic and social development. Reliable access to water is fundamental to growth, health and quality of life. In this sense, the work of Amatola Water extends far beyond infrastructure—it is about enabling communities to thrive. Nzoyi is acutely aware of this responsibility and frames it as both a challenge and an opportunity.
Her message to the people of the Eastern Cape reflects this sense of shared purpose. “Amatola Water remains committed to delivering reliable and safe water services,” she says. At the same time, she calls on communities to play their part. Responsible water use, reporting leaks and vandalism, and supporting initiatives that protect infrastructure are all critical actions that can make a tangible difference.
In a sector often defined by constraints, Nzoyi’s leadership reflects a pragmatic optimism—an understanding that while challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Through collaboration, disciplined execution and a clear focus on outcomes, Amatola Water is positioning itself to navigate an increasingly complex environment while continuing to deliver on its core mandate.
“Together, we can ensure sustainable water supply for current and future generations,” Nzoyi concludes.