Developing a business model for sustainable water management in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa (SA) has a water security risk and not displaying actions of a good custodian over its water resources. Currently, SA does not have an acceptable water management system in place. There is noted concern over lack of internal control in terms of shortages of standardised operating procedures/processes to ensure reliability, verifiability, accuracy and completeness of the performance information of local authorities. The main research objective is to develop a business model for sustainable water management in South Africa. Sustainable water management is possible if local authorities are involved in the implementation and control processes as part of the long-term strategy. Due to lack of funding or infrastructure South Africa cannot successfully implement a sustainable water management system based on the existing models. The research uses this study's results as a foundation to support why it should be considered to develop a business model on which to base a sustainable water management system for South Africa. The model that is suggested for the basis of the framework is the Osterwalder business model canvas. The research question was answered by means of semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with available individuals were used to collect the data. As the basis to begin the hypothesis, a study was completed on sustainable water management systems of other countries, and the elements that were prevalent in those systems. Questions put forward to respondents were to test the relevance and fit, of each sustainable water management element on the business model canvas. In order to determine successful implementation of the business model, a second round of research questions and interviews can explore with further hypotheses, how to overcome the implementation challenges successfully. Another challenge will be to determine whom the independent governing body will be and how that regulator will be encouraged to take up the task. This study identified the need for a sustainable water management system in South Africa and the framework that the business model canvas offers as a basis to develop a model for sustainable water management. By superimposing results from findings onto the business model canvas, it became clear that the model provided a useful framework on which to base focus points for decisions and planning for implementation purposes. The research results suggested that a contributing factor toward the high risk of water security in South Africa is due to inadequate water management systems, therefore, it would be necessary for South Africa to develop a business model for sustainable water management.