Coca-Cola Backs R500M Gauteng Water Loss Program
South Africa non-revenue water mechanism will mobilize R500 million for leak reduction and municipal water infrastructure in Gauteng.
The Coca-Cola system has announced a R500 million public-private partnership to reduce municipal water losses and support South Africa’s water security. The initiative brings together Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the World Bank Group’s 2030 Water Resources Group, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water Services, Global Water Challenge and the City of Tshwane. It will initially target Gauteng, where phase one will begin in the City of Tshwane municipal system. South Africa loses an estimated 47% of treated water through leaks, aging infrastructure and other non-revenue water losses.
Investment Targets Gauteng Losses
Between 2026 and 2031, the program aims to mobilize R250 million in investment, matched by public sector partners, for a combined R500 million toward Gauteng municipal water infrastructure and non-revenue water reduction initiatives. Early work will focus on leak reduction through pressure management and infrastructure for industrial effluent monitoring and accountability.
Luis Felipe Avellar, President of The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa operating unit, said:
“Water security is fundamental to South Africa’s economic growth, community resilience, and long-term sustainability. Beyond its direct impact, the initiative demonstrates how collaborative action can help attract private investment and address critical water sector challenges. It supports the objectives of the National Water Action Plan and provides a scalable, catalytic model that could be replicated across South Africa.”
Municipal Infrastructure Partnership
The mechanism is intended to create a platform for private sector participation in municipal water infrastructure investment. It complements the National Water Action Plan’s work to improve municipal water delivery, operational efficiency and investment in critical infrastructure.
Hon Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation, said:
“Government welcomes partnerships that support our national commitment to improving water security and municipal service delivery. Addressing non-revenue water losses is essential to ensuring sustainable access to water for communities, industry, and future economic growth. Through the work of the National Water Crisis Committee, we continue to drive collaborative solutions that strengthen municipal capacity and accelerate progress in addressing critical water challenges. This initiative demonstrates the value of partnership across government, business, and development partners in advancing a shared national priority.”
Plan for Additional Municipalities
The program follows the Coca-Cola system’s planned R17.6 billion investment in South Africa through 2030. The collaboration is expected to expand into additional municipalities over time, creating a broader framework for infrastructure recovery.
Lubabalo Luyaba, Senior Water Specialist at the World Bank Group, said:
“The NRW programme is a practical demonstration of the municipal trading services reforms agenda, showing how alternative service delivery mechanisms can be used to improve infrastructure performance, reduce water losses, and strengthen the financial sustainability of municipalities.”
