Against the backdrop of declining dam levels and persistently high unaccounted water losses, businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay have mobilised with speed. In a matter of a few weeks, 19 schools and one clinic have been adopted through the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s relaunched Adopt A School initiative, a clear signal that water security now demands immediate, practical intervention.
Rather than waiting for crisis measures to escalate, companies have acted proactively to curb leaks, protect vulnerable institutions and strengthen the metro’s resilience from the ground up.
Originally launched several years ago, the programme saw 76 schools adopted by 18 businesses across the metro. Its focus was deliberately practical and impact-driven: repairing faulty plumbing, fixing leaks and installing rainwater harvesting systems. At the time, leaks at schools and clinics were estimated to account for roughly 10% of the metro’s total water losses - an unsustainable drain on already constrained resources.
The initiative’s relaunch in January comes at a critical juncture. As of 23 February 2026, dam levels stood at 33.80% of capacity, intensifying the risk of water shedding if consumption remains high and structural losses persist. Unaccounted-for water losses have risen to above 60%, with reported leaks exceeding 6,000 - a clear sign of systemic challenges requiring both municipal intervention and collective civic responsibility. This week, the municipality repaired 978 leaks, highlighting both the scale of the problem and the importance of coordinated action.
The business response has been immediate and substantive, but much more needs to be done by the Municipality to maintain the infrastructure and to radically reduce leaks and very importantly to protect the long-term security of water for businesses and residents.
Aspen Pharmacare has re-adopted Gelvan Park Primary, John Masiza Primary, Walmer Primary School and Walmer West Primary School, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to water stewardship. Isuzu Motors South Africa has similarly renewed support for Soutpan Primary School, St Albans Primary School, Rocklands Farm School and Nkuthalo Public Primary School.
New momentum has come through fresh partnerships. Eduvos has adopted Pearson High School, while Coega Steels has stepped in to support Motherwell High School and Douglas Mbopa High School. Welfit Oddy has extended the initiative into healthcare by adopting KwaMagxaki Clinic.
Volkswagen Group Africa has further strengthened the programme by adopting eight schools, four re-adoptions and four new, including Hombakazi Primary School, Ntungwana Primary School, Mgcunube Primary School, Mqahyi Senior Primary School, Nokwezi Primary School, Phindubuye Primary School, Vuba JP School and Ntlemeza Primary School.
Denise van Huyssteen, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said the rapid uptake reflects a growing understanding that water security is no longer a peripheral issue, but a central economic and social priority.
“The speed at which businesses have stepped forward to adopt and re-adopt schools is both encouraging and necessary. Water security is no longer a future risk - it is a present and escalating reality for our metro,” she said. “By addressing leaks and infrastructure inefficiencies at school level, we are reducing avoidable losses while safeguarding environments where learning and community development take place.”
She cautioned that declining dam levels, sustained high consumption and unaccounted water losses significantly increase the likelihood of restrictions.
“This combination of factors heightens the risk of water restrictions being implemented, and potentially prolonged periods of water shedding,” she said. “Businesses should view water security as carrying a similar level of operational risk to what was experienced during the height of loadshedding in 2023/24. At that time, companies invested in backup generation to protect continuity. The same level of foresight is now required for water.”
Current consumption in the metro is tracking at approximately 367 million litres per day well above the 280 million litre per day target. While conservation efforts remain essential, Van Huyssteen stressed that efficiency alone will not mitigate operational risk.
“Responsible water use is fundamental, and businesses have made meaningful progress in reducing consumption. However, conservation must be complemented by practical contingency planning. Water storage, recycling and reuse systems, rainwater harvesting and compliant alternative supply arrangements are critical to building resilience,” she said. “Preparedness protects jobs, stabilises supply chains and reduces pressure on municipal systems during periods of strain. It also needs to be geared at enabling businesses to continue operate if there are periods of water disruption.”
From an investment perspective, the reliability of water, sanitation and electricity infrastructure remains a decisive factor in both retaining and attracting capital. Across manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, retail and food processing, water risk is increasingly being incorporated into strategic planning due to the cost implications of supply interruptions, production downtime and emergency mitigation measures.
“Water is a critical input across every sector of our local economy, from small enterprises to major industries,” she said. “With dam levels under pressure and system losses still unacceptably high, it is prudent for businesses to ensure they have reasonable contingency measures in place. Acting early and responsibly is far less costly than reacting in crisis.”
The Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders to support transparent communication, infrastructure reform and long-term water security planning. At the same time, it continues to urge businesses and residents alike to reduce consumption, fix leaks and invest in appropriate water-saving and backup measures.
“The Adopt A School initiative demonstrates what is possible when business responds with urgency and purpose,” van Huyssteen concluded. “Collective, practical action today strengthens Nelson Mandela Bay’s resilience and safeguards its economic future.”
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