Opportunity Issue 115

HOSPITALITYwater-purity

HOSPITALITYwater-purity solutions. Eighty percent of our propertieswill be powered with solar by the end of 2025. This movenot only aims to reduce our carbon footprint but also providesa buffer against the challenges of loadshedding – an issuethat continues to affect businesses across the country.What will be the effect of the introduction of e-visas to34 countries?The implementation of e-visas to 34 countries shouldhopefully boost South Africa’s efforts to attract moreinternational tourists and business travellers. Bystreamlining the visa application process, e-visas willmake it easier, faster and more convenient for visitorsfrom key markets to gain entry into the country. Withsystems such as the Electronic Travel Authorisation(ETA) system, which was introduced by President CyrilRamaphosa during the 2025 SONA, we hope to see thevisa process more streamlined. The ETA is aimed atreducing processing delays, cut down on opportunitiesfor corruption and offer a smoother travel experience – allof these have been key challenges in the tourism sectorfor a long time and we’re expecting to finally see someprogress in this regard.The Capital Pearls has great views ofUmhlanga’s beachfront.Beyond tourism, the e-visa system strengthensdiplomatic and economic ties by encouragingmore frequent travel for trade, investment andacademic collaboration. Business professionalsand investors from the 34 eligiblecountries now find it moreefficient to travel to SouthAfrica, which enhances thecountry’s reputation as abusiness-friendly destinationin Africa.The windows of the Emerald Lounge of 15 on Orange frameviews of Table Mountain.What effect do you expect events such as the G20 Summitand Africa’s Travel Indaba to have on the tourism sector?Events like the G20 Summit and Africa’s Travel Indabacan have a profound impact on South Africa’s tourismsector by enhancing our global visibility and positioningthe country as a key player in international relationsand travel. Hosting or participating in the G20 Summitshowcases South Africa’s political stability, infrastructureand capacity to handle high-profile global events, whichin turn builds confidence among international travellersand investors. It also attracts media coverage anddelegates from across the globe, many of whom extendtheir stays for leisure travel, which benefits the tourism andhospitality industries.Africa’s Travel Indaba, one of the largest tourismmarketing events on the continent, plays a criticalrole in promoting South Africa as a primedestination. It brings together global travelbuyers, media and industry stakeholders,creating opportunities to showcase thecountry’s diverse tourism offerings, fromwildlife and adventure to culture andheritage. The event not only drives businessdeals and bookings but also strengthenslong-term partnerships and brand positioning.Both events contribute to increased visitornumbers, higher foreign revenue and thecreation of jobs, making them vital forgrowth in the tourism sector.Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts.18 | www.opportunityonline.co.za

Ensuring there iswater in the pipesOverberg Water not only supplies bulkwater tomunicipalities, but the water it supplies directly tofarmers contributes to a vital part of the national economy.Dr Phakamani Buthelezi, CEO,Overberg WaterWATERThe Overberg Water Board is a national water publicentity under the Department of Water and Sanitation(DWS). It complements the work of the departmentand provides bulkwater services in the southwesternCape. Its area includes Caledon, Napier, Bredasdorp,Riviersonderend, Swellendam, Heidelberg and Riversdale andit is situated in the Breede-Olifants Catchment ManagementArea (BOCMA), which measures approximately 142 502km².INFRASTRUCTUREA priority for Overberg Water (OW) has been consistent watersupply while tackling ageing infrastructure. A programme ofspecific projects to refurbish key elements of the network hasbeen initiated while maintenance continues to ensure the longevityand sustainability of the water-supply network. Considerableprogress has been made on upgrading existing infrastructurewithin the system.The Overstrand Local Municipality has identified the needfor more water to be supplied to the greater Hermanus area.Consequently, the Overstrand Pipeline is a strategic project thatwill include additional abstraction and treatment capacity as wellas the planned bulk pipeline and associated reservoir and pumpstations. OW believes it is poised to be a water supplier of choice.SERVICESThe primary activities of OW in terms of section 29 of the WaterServices Act is to provide water services to other water servicesinstitutions in its service area. The Act enables OW to undertakeother activities on condition that these activities do not affect itsmain function.Under a long-term Growth Path Strategy Initiative adoptedby the Board, OW prioritises fixing the current challenges andthereafter expanding its geographical area and increasing itsscope to collect new revenue. However, as the OW CEO, DrPhakamani Buthelezi, says, “It would be foolhardy to focus ongrowth without dealing with current challenges.” He succinctlysums up the most important current focus as, “to ensure thatthere is water in the pipes”.With a long-term aim of becoming the water service providerof choice in the Western Cape, the Growth Path Initiative isproviding a strategic basis for future growth. Dr Buthelezi notesthat OW is different to other water boards in that apart fromproviding bulkwater to municipalities, up to approximately 800individual farmers are supplied with water. Says Dr Buthelezi,“This water is very precious, and it plays a major role in supportingagriculture. We are making our contribution to building theeconomy and the provincial and national GDP through agriculture,a very important sector that must be supported because itcreates jobs and brings in the currency that South Africa needs.”Among the “secondary services” undertaken by OW were/are:• Implementing agent for installation of rainwater-harvestingtanks: the Masibambane project of the DWS installs tanks in lowcosthousing areas.• Distribution of water tanks to all non-metro municipalities: ashort-term relief measure during the Covid outbreak.• Implementing agent of DWS “War on Leaks”: young peopletrained as Water Agents, artisans and plumbers.• Management of water-infrastructure assets of the Departmentof Defence and Department of Correctional Services through theDepartment of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).PROVIDER OF CHOICEDr Buthelezi reports that, “We have had unqualified auditreports for the last eight years, so the Auditor-General is happywith our systems.”On the basis of its financial systems being in good order,existing infrastructure continually being upgraded and whilekeeping a steady focus on keeping the pipes full, for OverbergWater the focus is now on going forward.One area of focus in addition to other water system activitiesis to upgrade the entity’s existing laboratories. As Dr Buthelezistates: “We have a laboratory to support water testing, but foradvanced testing we outsource to credible entities such as theCSIR. It is one of our priorities to do everything in our laboratory,as part of our wanting to become the regional service providerof choice for the Western Cape.”Contact detailsHead officeGround Floor, Trident Park 3, 1 Niblick Way,Somerset West 7130PO Box 1005, Somerset West 7137Tel: +27 (21) 851 2155Fax: +27 (21) 214 1302Website: www.overbergwater.co.zawww.opportunityonline.co.za | 19