Media Statement 17 October 2025
Cllr Frans Boshielo
MMC for Utility Services
A new public-private partnership introduces an innovative web-based platform to track water consumption vs losses to manage the demand.
The City of Tshwane has launched a state-of-the-art water balance dashboard in collaboration with Vodacom, the Strategic Water Partnership Network (SWPN), and Mezzanine. This web-based platform accessed on the City of Tshwane website (www.tshwane.gov.za), forms a key part of the city’s strategy to monitor water consumption and losses, and manage demand, in order to minimise non-revenue water (NRW), supporting its commitment to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) “No Drop” programme for improved water efficiency and loss management.
This digital solution marks a shift towards data-driven water management, offering greater transparency and accountability. Using the International Water Association (IWA) water balance methodology, the system provides precise insight into water demand and losses, moving beyond the vague concept of Non-Revenue Water.
The dashboard will enable the city to identify water demand and losses areas by breaking down total water supplied per distribution networks. Boost public engagement by sharing data openly to help residents understand water consumption patterns and demand to foster collaborative efforts towards water conservation.
This initiative reflects a strong public-private partnership where the City of Tshwane leads the operational framework and implementation of DWS guidelines. Vodacom serves as technology partner and sponsor, supporting delivery through its subsidiaries, and SWPN & Mezzanine, in collaboration with GLS Consulting, provide the digital platform and analytics expertise to turn data into actionable insights.
Councillor Frans Boshielo, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Utility Services at the City of Tshwane, stated:
“The introduction of the digital water tower is a transformative step for Tshwane.” It provides us with the opportunity to be transparent and accountable, which is fundamental to water conservation, revenue enhancement, and most critically delivering a more reliable service. Achieving ‘No Drop’ status and securing water for future generations is now a tangible, achievable target.
“Our partnership with Vodacom, the SWPN, and Mezzanine lays the foundation for a water-secure future. This initiative is about more than technology; it is about fundamentally reshaping how Tshwane stewards its most essential resource. By maximising from our own dams and boreholes, every drop saved moves us closer to water security. The journey towards a sustainable Tshwane begins with this decisive action.”
Martha Lamola, Operations Director for Vodacom Ventures and Partnerships, said:
“Vodacom’s purpose is to connect everyone for a better future. For us, that means genuinely improving quality of life. We understand that reliable, clean water is a critical foundation for this. This project puts our purpose into action, using technology and partnerships to champion water stewardship. We’re proud to be a sponsor and a long-term partner in this vital work.”
Alyssa Jooste, AB InBev Global Water and Nature Manager / SWPN Private Sector Co-Chair, said:
“The launch of this digital platform is a significant milestone for the SWPN, showcasing the powerful results of genuine public-private partnership. The No Drop Programme, developed collaboratively with the Department of Water and Sanitation through our working group, has been transformed into a practical tool delivering tangible impact. We are confident that the success seen in Tshwane will serve as a blueprint for other municipalities, accelerating our shared progress toward a water-secure future for South Africa.”
Jacques de Vos, CEO of Mezzanine, said:
“Mezzanine’s mission is to enable productive societies across Africa. We recognise that access to clean water is a fundamental prerequisite for all other community development. The challenges in regions like Gauteng extend beyond physical infrastructure; they require smart, non-infrastructure solutions that enhance revenue collection, guide strategic investment, and optimise daily operations. The Digital Water Tower is a critical building block in this effort, providing the actionable insights needed for informed decision-making. We applaud the vision of our partners in driving this initiative and are proud to contribute to its success.”
Enquiries:
Simphiwe Mbatha
simphiwemb@tshwane.gov.za