Magalies Water CEO Sandile Mkhize Resigns

Magalies Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Sandile Mkhize, has announced his resignation, effective at the end of June 2024. Mkhize, who joined the North West’s only Water Board in late 2014 as General Manager – Water Services, has served as CEO since 2018.

During his nearly ten-year tenure, Mkhize has held several key roles, including Chief Operations Officer, and has overseen numerous significant projects aimed at improving water services in the region. Notable achievements under his leadership include:

Completion of the Bulk Water Master Plan in June 2015.
Upgrade of Vaalkop Water Treatment Works from 210Ml/d to 240Ml/d.
Upgrade of Klipdrift Water Treatment Works from 18Ml/d to 42Ml/d.
Efficiency improvements at Wallmansthal Water Treatment Works with the development of an improved High-lift pump station.
Implementation of Pilanesberg Phase 2 Mafenya Reservoir, pump station, Pipeline, and Tlhabane Reservoir.

Mkhize also played a crucial role in the integration of Magalies Water with the former Sedibeng Water. This merger expanded Magalies Water’s operational area to include Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts and doubled its workforce from 370 to over 700 employees.

Reflecting on his time at Magalies Water, Mkhize acknowledged the challenges he faced, including inadequate potable water production to meet the demand in Rustenburg and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities, funding issues for the Bulk Water Master Plan, the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, non-payment by municipalities for services rendered, and local resistance in Madibeng Local Municipality towards the completion of the Brits water treatment works upgrade.

Despite these challenges, Mkhize led Magalies Water to significant financial growth, with revenue increasing from R0.2 billion in 2014/15 to R1.2 billion in the 2022/23 financial year and assets growing from R0.9 billion to over R4.5 billion. Under his leadership, the utility achieved three consecutive clean audits from 2019/20 to 2021/22.

Board Chairperson Dr. Lydia Sebego praised Mkhize’s leadership and meticulous approach, particularly during the integration of Magalies and Sedibeng Water Boards. “We are obviously saddened by his departure, given his contribution, and wish him the best as he prepares for working life beyond Magalies Water. We are confident that he will continue to do very well,” she said.

The appointment of an acting Chief Executive will be announced once all internal processes are completed.