Minister of Education, Republic of South Africa

 In developed countries, water for basic human needs and basic ecological functions is taken for granted. In less developed countries, the situation is usually much different, particularly for the poor. When Professor Asmal became South Africa’s Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry in 1994, more than 16 million South Africans did not have reasonable access to safe drinking water, and some 20 million lacked access to safe sanitation.

As a regarded member of President Nelson Mandela’s Government of National Unity, Professor Asmal responded to these challenges and spearheaded a fundamental overhaul of water management policy and practice. He pioneered major reforms in water legislation, which resulted in a new National Water Act of 1998, and far-reaching initiatives such as the Working for Water Program and National Water Conservation Campaign.

The legislation, policies and programs reflected his belief that water for basic human needs and water for ecological functioning have first priority, and that the right of access to safe drinking water is accompanied by a duty to contribute to the cost of the programs providing access.

One of his initiatives is best referred to as "20 liters for everyone at a distance less than 200 meters." Massive community contributions to the development of the initiative, an emphasis on education and the involvement of women have among other aspects made the program the most interesting and successful water supply initiative for poor worldwide.

Professor Asmal’s ability to win support among civil servants and water professionals has been one of the most important factors in all of his efforts. The vision, legislation and practice in the field of water management developed by Professor Asmal for South Africa may indeed inspire many other countries to similar developments.

Visit www.siwi.org for photos and more information.