GreenCape, in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) has published an industry brief on replicable water stewardship projects for investment and collaboration. The brief highlights a compelling investment opportunity for private businesses and funders.
Explore how replicable water stewardship projects across the Western Cape and beyond are delivering real impact through leak reduction, pressure management, municipal support, and community-focused interventions. These projects not only secure water resources but also offer strong return on investment and improved stakeholder relationships.
The brief highlights successful case studies, including:
- The Greater Cape Town Water Fund (GCTWF) cleared over 82 ,000 hectares in 7 priority catchments of the Western Cape Supply System, and created more than 1 ,300 green jobs.
- WWF South Africa–CHEP initiatives that improved access to potable water for hundreds of households and trained over 600 farmers in sustainable rangeland practices.
- uMhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership (WASP) co-initiated by WWF South Africa and partners, implemented collaborative projects to improve water management, including stakeholder coordination, invasive plant control, and farmer support.
- An FMCG-funded project that saved up to 2,100 kilolitres of water per month in schools, with payback periods as short as 0.4 years.
These examples show just how replicable, investable, and impactful water stewardship projects can be, especially as water security becomes a defining factor for South Africa’s economic resilience. If you’re an investor looking for high-impact and return on investments opportunities in sustainability, this brief is worth your time.
Read the full industry brief to explore the opportunities, models, and case studies shaping the future of water stewardship investment in South Africa. For a broader look at the types of interventions businesses can use to strengthen their water resilience read the CEO guide to water resilience now.