OEM expertise key to solving South Africa’s water crisis, says KSB
Pump and valve manufacturers play a critical role in improving efficiency, reducing losses and modernising ageing infrastructure
As South Africa grapples with mounting potable and wastewater challenges, equipment manufacturers are being called to play a more central role in designing and maintaining efficient water systems.
According to Hugo du Plessis, market area manager at KSB Pumps and Valves, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) bring critical technical insight that should be integrated at every stage of water infrastructure projects.
Manufacturers of pumps, valves and related equipment possess in-depth knowledge of their products’ capabilities, making them essential partners when systems are designed, upgraded or rehabilitated. Their involvement ensures that infrastructure operates within optimal parameters, improving reliability and long-term performance.
“In South Africa, our water boards manage decades-old infrastructure. Their challenges include leaks and maintenance of equipment such as pumps and valves. Now, during Water Week from 16–20 March, we are making our services available to assist them to run more efficiently, and to address issues like skills shortages and training of staff,” says du Plessis.
Ageing infrastructure, rising demand and high levels of non-revenue water, caused by leaks and system inefficiencies, continue to strain municipalities and utilities. Ensuring consistent supply to households, businesses and agriculture requires strong collaboration between utilities and OEMs.
KSB combines local manufacturing with global engineering expertise to support municipalities directly. Its engineers assess system performance, optimise pump operations and assist across the full water cycle — from bulk transfer and treatment to distribution networks.
“The pump stations operate 24/7 under heavy demand. Having trained engineers who understand the full system helps utilities maintain supply,” du Plessis adds.
The company is also helping utilities map and measure water supply, evaluate pump efficiency and implement corrective measures. Advanced technologies such as smart metering and data-driven monitoring are being deployed to identify inefficiencies early and prevent costly system failures.
In addition to maintenance and refurbishment programmes, KSB is investing in skills development by training the next generation of engineers. These initiatives aim to build long-term capacity within municipalities, ensuring sustainable management of water infrastructure.
“We engage directly with water boards and consultants to offer solutions that will last 20–30 years, assisting with planning and executing systems that can withstand daily demand and ever-growing communities,” du Plessis concludes.
