Governance

• Overview
• Governance Structure
• Board Committees
• Amatola Water Management

• Overview

  The Board operates under a sound governance framework to ensure effective and judicious direction and leadership is provided to management.

  At the management level, management has further institutionalised the governance framework of the management of the activities of the organisation through the adoption of terms of reference and the delegation of authority.

  The governance framework of the company is under review to further institutionalise effectiveness and efficiency to deliver on the business plan for the company and to entrench the approach of integrated reporting, as adopted over the last year.

• Governance Structure

  EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY AND SHAREHOLDER

  

  Ms Pemmy Majodina

  Hon: Minister of Water and Sanitation

  Ms Pemmy Majodina was appointed as Minister of Water and Sanitation from 3 July 2024.

  She was a member of the National Council of Provinces from 1992 until 2004. Before she became a Member of Parliament in 2019, she served as a member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature from 2004 to 2019.

  She was appointed and served as Eastern Cape Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health from 2004 to 2008; MEC for Roads and Public Works from 2009 to 2010; MEC for Social Development and Special Programmes from 2010 to 2014; MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2018, and MEC for Public Works from 2018 to 2019.

  Ms Majodina served in various political roles, including in regional, provincial and national executives of the South African Students Congress, African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, ANC Women’s League and South African Communist Party.

  She is a former member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC’s defunct military wing, and is an educator by profession. She obtained a Bachelors of Education at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) in 1996 and honors degree which she completed in 1998. In 2010, Majodina was awarded with an Honory Doctorate on Community Development by Arlington University of Australia. In 2011, she was awarded a Reverend Baartman Award for serving people with distinction. In 2015 she received the Global Humanitarian Award in the United States of America by human rights activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

  

  Mr David Mahlobo

  Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation

  Mr David Mahlobo was born on the 14th of January 1972 in KwaNdwalaza Royal Kraal, Berglaas in Piet Retief, Transvaal (now Mpumalanga).

  At the height of apartheid in 1981, he and his sisters fled to Swaziland due to forced removals and they were separated from their parents. They would spend the earlier years of their lives outside the country of their birth and the brutality of apartheid caused disruption to their educational aspirations.

  In 1983, the young Mahlobo siblings returned to South Africa and reunited with their mother. He resumed schooling and completed his Joint Matriculation Board Certificate (Grade 12) in 1991 at Bambanani High School. He later enrolled with the University of Zululand (Ongoye campus) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (Bsc.) Degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry in 1998. The following year in 1999, he obtained his Bachelor of Science Honours (Bsc. Honours) Degree in Biochemistry at the University of Zululand.

  He obtained additional certificates in Water Quality Management Course II: Management Aspects. Mr Mahlobo would later complete course on Performance Budgeting and Financial Management Course as well as Targeted Recruitment and Selection at Deloitte Human Capital.

  He worked as an Educator in Bambanani High School, responsible for Biology and Physical Science for Grade 10 and 11 learners. He later worked in Lalela Finishing School, teaching Physical Science and Biology for Grade 12.

  Mr Mahlobo cut his teeth in the water sector when he joined the then Department of Water and Forestry, Mpumalanga province, in the Water Quality Division, responsible for the Upper Olifants River Catchment with respect to Water Use Control at mines, municipalities and industries; Water Resource Management Protection and Impact Management, Water Quality Management and Water Quality Communication.

  He was later promoted to be an Assistant Director: Transformation (later renamed External Transformation) and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director and Director in the same Unit at the Department of Water and Forestry.

  In 2009, he was appointed as the Head of Department (HOD) for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs by Mpumalanga Provincial Government for a period of three years which was further renewed in 2012. He resigned as HOD for COGTA in 2014 when he became ANC Parliamentary Candidate.

  Since then he has served in the following capacities:
  
  

  • Member of the National Assembly (Parliament of the Republic of South Africa) from May 2014 – May 2019
  • Minister of State Security from May 2014 to October 2017
  • Minister of Energy from October 2017 to February 2018
  • Member of the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry from March 2018 to May 2019
  • Re-elected as a Member of the National Assembly since May 2019 to date
  • Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation from May to date

  

  Mr Isaac Sello Seitlholo

  Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation

  Mr Isaac Sello Seitlholo was appointed as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation on the 3rd of July 2024.

  Born on the 9^th of September 1989, he has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 2019, making him one of the youngest members of parliament at the time till present. Being a young MP has allowed him to recognize the needs of the community as it directly reflects in his philosophy and life-long achievements.

  His journey to Parliament is marked by a deep commitment to community engagement and a desire to address local government issues. Mr Seitlholo’s political involvement began in 2006 with a focus on historical documentaries related to the June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising.

  His active political career took off when he joined the Democratic Alliance as a Provincial Campaign Director in the North West in 2017. This role involved extensive community engagement and addressing local government issues, which motivated him to pursue a position in Parliament. Mr Seitlholo’s experience as a lecturer at the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University, further solidified his belief that politics was the path to making a direct impact on people's lives.

  His educational journey began at Tlokwe Secondary School in 2008 before he proceeded to the North-West University from 2009 to 2011, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Development and Management (Politics, Law, and Public Management), followed by a BA Honours in Development and Management (Public Management) from 2011 to 2012. He studied for a Master's degree in Public Management and Governance at the same university from 2012 to 2016.

  As an MP, he strongly advocates the idea of building one South Africa for all; a vision derived from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 that emphasises inclusivity and equality. He aims to eliminate the fear that many South Africans have regarding the future direction of the country.

  Mr Seitlholo’s political philosophy is deeply influenced by the ideals of unity and diversity. His personal experiences with overcoming racial prejudice and growing up in a township have fuelled his commitment to proving that it is possible to succeed regardless of one’s background. An extension of his philosophy is being able to distinguish between a politician and a leader which he displays by taking a keen interest in the needs of the poorest of the poor in local communities. He was assigned Constituency of Greater Taung Local Municipality in the North West where he was able to travel across the country to witness some of the work that is being done by the Department of Transport and its entities. His goal as an MP is to continue his grassroots work at a higher and more recognisable level, striving to make South Africa a better and more inclusive country for all its citizens.

  Sello is passionate about being able to impart knowledge. He strongly believes that his sole purpose in life is to change people's lives. He believes that we have to introduce subjects that teach our children at an early age about the law-making process in our country and why it is imperative, and how we need to build active structures in our Municipalities that teach young people about Public Participation.

   

  Mr Seithlolo has achieved quite a bit in his career thus far, whether it be in the political or academic space. Some of these achievements include:

  • Being a member of the National Assembly from May 2019 till Present
  • Lecturing at the University of North West - Potchestroom from the years 2014 to 2017 specializing in Public Management and Governance
  • Achieving his Masters’ Degree in Public Management and Governance in 2017
  • Getting a primary school in one of the rural villages called Mothanthanyaneng new ablution facilities through a petition that he championed as an MP
  • Reopening of middle school as a primary school in the 2021 academic year, after having been closed for almost 5 years through a petition that he championed as an MP

  BOARD MEMBERS

  

  Dr Gaster Sharpley

  Chairperson of the Board

  Master’s in Public Administration Doctorate in Public Administration

  Dr Gaster Sharpley, former municipal mayor for the Buffalo City Municipality and first-ever Buffalo City Development Agency, has held several wide-ranging senior posts within provincial governments like the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works. He has also provided valuable inputs at the board level to organisations such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation. He began his business career in the private sector after managing several small businesses in Kokstad and Mthatha. After serving as a Mthatha ward councillor and executive chairperson, he joined the National Business Initiative, an independent business movement of nearly 100 South African and multi-national member companies. He also headed Meeg Bank’s public sector banking division. The Mthatha City Council awarded Dr Sharpley certificates of excellence.

  Dr Sharpley is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and established the Peggy Nesta Foundation.

  

  Mr Ayanda Mjekula

  Board Member

  Master of Business Administration (Financial Accounting) • Bachelor of Arts

  Enterprise and supplier development, executive management

  Mr. Ayanda Mjekula, is a member of the Institute of Directors of S.A. He currently holds positions on various boards. He is the Deputy Chairperson of the Coega Development Corporation and chairs its Audit and Risk Committee and also a member of its Capital Allocation Committee. He serves on the board of Safika Holdings including its Audit and Risk Committee as well as its Remuneration Committee.  He is the Chairperson of the National Arts Festival and a Trustee of the Anglican Church of S.A. Pension Fund. He is also Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Fort Hare Foundation. 

  In the past he has held board positions as Chairperson of CEF SOC, UBank Limited as a head of the Audit, Remuneration, and IT Governance Committees. For seventeen (17) years, he served on the Council of the University of Fort Hare and became Deputy Chairperson while he chaired the Finance and the IT Governance Committees.

  Mr Mjekula cut his teeth in the banking industry, having held executive management positions at Nedbank and Standard Bank, over a period of twenty-four (24) years. He was the first black person to be appointed in an executive management position in any bank in South Africa. In 1989, he was honoured with the Black Management Forum/ Kellogg’s Manager of the year award, in recognition of his managerial achievements. He had previously been awarded, by Ford Motor Company, a fellowship to read for his MBA.

  As once Chief Executive of the South Africa Supplier Development Agency(SASDA), he gained extensive experience in enterprise and supplier development. He has played a major role in the energy sector, particularly in the liquid fuels industry. He holds a BA degree in English from the University of Fort Hare and an MBA in Financial Accounting from Western Michigan University.

  

  Ms Boitumelo Mokgatle

  Board Member

  Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) • Master of Business Administration

  Quality assurance, audit and risk management

  Ms Mokgatle, who serves on the boards of the CIBD, Magalies Water Board, Dannhauser Local Municipality, Durban Chamber of Commerce, City of Johannesburg: Johannesburg Roads Agency,  City of Tshwane and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission.

  She has over 25 years of experience in the audit field having gained her experience with KPGM, Ernst & Young after which she joined the South African Revenue Services where amongst others, she was involved in strategic projects and later the Presidency where she was the Director – Internal Audit and Risk Management.  The role of Group Chief Risk Officer at the Ithala Development Fund.

  

  Mr Wisdom Mushohwe

  Board Member

  CA (SA), CPA (Inactive), Master of Business Administration

  Finance, advisory, taxation, audit and risk management.

  Mr Mushohwe is a Chartered Accountant through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) through the California Board of Accountancy in the United States of America and also holds a Master’s in Business Administration. Mr Mushohwe serves on the Boards/Audit Committees of World Vision South Africa (NPO), Mnquma Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality and Man on a Mission (NPO).

  He comes with broad experience in finance, auditing, advisory and taxation spanning over 17 years. Mr Mushohwe acquired most of his experience in finance and auditing environments at Deloitte and Touche, where he served in various positions in South Africa, United Arab Emirates and United States of America. With a balanced exposure to both the private and public sectors; a number of Municipalities, Departments, State-owned companies and private companies within South Africa under both the GRAP and IFRS frameworks. He is passionate about seeing growth and success of communities through Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), public sector, and small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

  He brings vast private sector experience from having served as a Financial Director of a national private company and later promoted to Group CFO and the Board of the then listed holding company. Currently, he is a Director at Sync Finance with a focus in assisting and growing SMEs.

  

  Ms Nonkululeko Mxenge-Mayende

  Board Member

  Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Management Systems (Organisational Analysis) • Master of Arts (Industrial Relations)

   

  Ms Mxenge-Mayende is a seasoned professional who leverages experience and expertise in destination sales and marketing to promote emerging and existing industrial zones, industrial parks and Special Economic Zones locations to global potential investors. Has 27 years’ global markets experience and competencies honed on four continents primarily in Foreign Direct Investment promotion, recruitment, conversion and facilitation as well as market access, bilateral and multilateral trade relations.

  This expertise extends to industrial policy formulation and analysis, sales and marketing, international consulting and advisory sales on business development, product and project development, risk management. Proficient in strategic plans development (conceptualisation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation) for foreign trade, investment attraction and retention. Linked to this is crafting industrial sectors’ promotion strategies and implementation plans targeting utilities (renewable energy, water desalination and waste water treatment) business processing outsourcing, agro-processing, automotives, pharmaceuticals, ICT Electronics sectors for domestic and foreign investment markets. Strong competencies in research and innovation having found innovative solutions in various portfolios especially around renewable energy, wastewater treatment and sea water desalination projects.

  She has demonstrable leadership and corporate governance experience due to the various senior positions held in area of socioeconomic development. Worked with NGOs and CBOs in areas of water scarcity, energy efficiency, human rights promotion and international human rights law. Multilingual and people orientated with an ability to develop high performing teams through capacity building and training, talent management, coaching, mentoring and 360-degree performance focus.

  

  Adv Sonwabile Mancotywa

  Board Member

  Bachelor of Juris, LLB

  Mr Sonwabile Mancotywa is a registered advocate with the National Bar Council of South Africa who held various leading roles with national and provincial institutions like the National Lottery, Gauteng Department of Transport, and the National Department of Trade and Industry. More recently, Mr Mancotywa was the chief executive officer of the National Heritage Council.

  He has contributed to several leading organisations at the board level, such as the Cross Border Road Transport Agency, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Board, Gauteng Liquor Board, Ntinga Development and the Raymond Mhlaba Development Agency. 

  Mr Mancotywa is also an experienced Eastern Cape legislature and government member. He has served in various capacities, including as a member of the executive council with the portfolios of sports, arts and culture, and development planning, youth and gender.

  He was also the first African awarded the Razvos Eastern Europe International Award.

  

  Mr Gcinikhaya Mpumza

  Board Member

  Bachelor of Administration

  A seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in public administration, governance and educational leadership, Mr Mpumza recently retired as a member of parliament. He has a formidable local and global academic foundation from prestigious institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of South Africa, University of Pretoria and Harvard in the United States of America. He has numerous certifications from Chinese, Swedish and German institutions.

  He has an impressive track record in managing and leading diverse organisations in the Eastern Cape, such as the South African Local Government Association, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, and the Wild Coast District Council. He began his leadership career as the deputy principal and principal of two Eastern Cape secondary schools after graduating as a senior secondary teacher from Cicirha College in the Eastern Cape.

  

  Ms. Nomfundo Douw-Jack

  Board Member

  Master's of Arts in Labour Relations and Human Resources Bachelor of Arts Honours in Labour Relations and Human Resources Bachelor of Social Science

  Ms Douw-Jack is a consummate human resource professional with extensive public sector experience and a solid international, national, and provincial leadership-level pedigree. She has represented South Africa in several government delegations on various labour issues to countries that included Switzerland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Botswana and Brazil. Ms Douw-Jack also led strategic committees nationally and in the Eastern Cape on various labour issues, founded on her leadership and operational experience in various senior roles such as chief director of the provincial department of employment and labour, where she was responsible for the UIF and Compensation Funds and Labour Centre Operations in the Free State.

  She was also the chief of staff of the Ministry's private office team, directing the management and supporting the executive office's operations. In addition, she also successfully led the teams at various provincial departments responsible for risk management, communication management, labour market information and statistics, inspection and enforcement services, public employment and corporate services. Ms Douw-Jack is the founder and chief executive of Luphawu Empowerment Solutions (LES).

  

  Ms Litha Geza

  Board Member

  Master’s in Business Administration (MBA}, BA Communication & BA Communication Honours

  Ms Geza has over 25 years of experience in the public sector, with 11 years in executive management roles. She is a seasoned organisational development and change management consultant with expertise in system-wide transformation and culture change interventions to enhance organisational growth and effectiveness. Additionally, she is experienced in leadership development with a passion for individual and organisational growth and performance management. She is also a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in governance committees.

  She serves on the audit and risk management committees of the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury and the Office of the Premier. She is the CEO of Lithalelanga Coaching and Consulting. A notable appointment for the business is as change management advisor for the Parliament of South Africa since March 2023.

• board Committees

  The governance framework of the Board, consists of the following committees and below is an illustration of their high level functions (depicted in the organogram below) are:

  1. Audit & Risk Committee

  The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing internal control, financial reporting and compliance with regulatory matters. It reviews:

  • the adequacy of internal controls and risk management systems;
  • the Annual Financial Statements;
  • other financial information in the Annual Report;
  • audit findings;
  • the process of preparing financial information;
  • the process of monitoring compliance with laws and regulations;
  • the process of monitoring compliance with the internal Code of Conduct; and
  • developing the fraud prevention strategy

   

  2. Finance Committee:

  The role of the Finance Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.

  The focus of the Committee is on matters relating to, or having a bearing on:

  • the overall financial management and performance of Amatola Water;
  • policies and strategies relating to treasury activities;
  • supply chain management (SCM) to the extent of the correct implementation of the SCM policy;
  • optimum debt management;
  • asset management;
  • optimal management of capital spending and
  • budgeting.

  3. Strategy & Business Development Committee:

  The purpose of the Strategic and Business Development Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in the strategic areas of:

  • strategic formulation and implementation;
  • business development (including marketing); and
  • corporate citizenship;
  • project and programme implementation;
  • fundraising for capital projects.

  4. Human Resources & Remuneration Committee:

  The role of the HRRC is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.

  The specific focus areas of the Committee are to:

  • oversee the formulation of policy relating to human resources (including but not limited to organisational capability development, wellness, lifestyle, ongoing capacity development, transformation, talent management and knowledge management, organisational design);
  • oversee the performance information system of the AW and evaluate remuneration;
  • issuing recommendations concerning policy implementation and/or policy revision, as appropriate;
  • guide and monitor the implementation of transformation and HR programmes within the organisation;
  • report to and advise the Board on all findings and or recommendations pertaining to the Committee’s work.

• Amatola Water Management

  The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and has oversight of the daily operations of the organisation. The Chief Executive is the link between the management and the Board.

  The management committee comprises the Chief Executive, the Divisional Directors and the Company Secretary. The Chief Executive is also assisted by advisors to this committee.

  The major responsibilities of management are the development and implementation of policies, and managing the daily operations of the organisation.

  Management ensures that relevant legislation and regulations are adhered to and that adequate internal controls are developed, implemented and maintained. To enhance the governance structures and strengthen controls the management level ensures that there is segregation of duties.

  The above is achieved through five divisions and the Company Secretary. The main activities of the divisions represented by the Divisional Directors are as follows:

  Finance Division

  is responsible for financial accounting and reporting, treasury, billing, management accounting and supply chain management (demand management, acquisition management, and inventory management), SCM administration, and payroll management of the organization.

  Corporate Services Division

  is responsible for the Industrial Relations, people resourcing, employee wellbeing, employee benefits administration, organisational planning, learning and development, information communication and technologies, knowledge and information management, property services, fleet and facilities, and legal services.

  Operations Division

  is responsible for water treatment (primary). Bulk distribution and water transfer, metering, operational optimisation, asset maintenance and management, SHEQ management, scientific services, and water resources.

  Planning and Development Division

  The Planning and Development Division is responsible for infrastructure systems planning.

  Office of the CEO

  The office is responsible for external stakeholder management, corporate communication, strategy and planning, corporate performance information management, external policy support, enterprise-wide legislative compliance, fraud prevention, risk management, company secretariat services, and administrative support.

  Other structures and forums

  Amatola Water acknowledges that relationships with other strategic forums impact positively in an indirect manner on the management of the organisation.

  In this regard, Amatola Water is an active member of the South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU), the Eastern Cape Water Committee (ECWaC), and a patron member of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA).

  To a lesser extent, Amatola Water is a regular participant in steering committees of projects undertaken by the Water Research Commission (WRC).

  MANCO MEMBERS

  

  Mr Siyabulela Koyo

  Chief Executive Officer

  ND (Civil Engineering), Advanced Certificate Programme (Project Management), Certificate Programme (Management Development for Municipal Finance), BTech (Civil Engineering, Urban Planning), BA Honours (Development Studies), MA (Development Studies), Postgraduate Certificate (Monitoring and Evaluation), MBA underway

  Mr Koyo has over 20 years of experience in civil engineering across the public and private sectors.

  Prior to joining Amatola Water, Mr Koyo was the municipal manager for the Intsika Yethu Municipality as well as a general manager at the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. He also performed various technical and management roles at Mbhashe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, Rinoma Consulting Engineers, OR Tambo District Municipality and ZM Construction.

  

  Mr Jonathan Jackson

  Chief Financial Officer

  Chartered Accountant CA(SA) • Postgraduate Diploma Accounting • Bachelor of Commerce

  A chartered accountant with 20 years of experience as a CFO and has attained several clean audits whilst at the helm of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Joe Gqabi District Municipality, and Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury. He has also served, amongst others, as the Audit Manager at the Auditor – General offices in Mthatha.

  

  Ms Lindokuhle Nzoyi

  Executive Manager: Corporate Services

  Master’s in Public Administration • Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation • B Tech: Human Resource Management

  Ms Nzoyi is a specialised Human Resource practitioner with over 20 years’ experience. She has worked in various government departments including the Department of Education, Health, Office of The Premier and EC Treasury, with focused attention on human resource administration services, organisational development, and change management.

  

  Ms Dorothy Mabuza

  Executive Manager: Planning and Development

  MBA: Business Administration • Postgraduate Diploma: General Management • Graduate Diploma for Engineers (GDE): Civil (Water Engineering) • BSc (Honours): Management of Technology • B Tech: Civil: Construction Management • National Diploma: Civil Engineering

  A professional engineer with solid experience in leadership roles has amongst others, previously worked as Executive Director at the City of Johannesburg, responsible for master plans, policy and strategy development and securing funding.

  

  Mr Sazile Qweleka

  Executive Manager: Operations

  Bachelor of Technology (Mechanical Engineering) • Master of Business Administration

  Mr Qweleka joined Amatola Water in August 2010 as a Programmes Manager in the Operations Division. He has vast experience in the public and private sectors in the fields of programmes management, production systems, operations, and engineering maintenance.

  He has worked for companies such as Namakwa Sands, SA Five Engineering, South African Breweries, and the Ford Motor Company of SA.