Magalies Water has announced the appointment of Ofentse Nthutang as the new CEO to serve a five-year term, effective June 1.
Nthutang was previously the organisation’s chief operating officer since September 2023. He also acted as CEO from July 2024 after his predecessor left office.
Nthutang acknowledged the task he has ahead, especially as Magalies Water adjusts to changes brought by the sixth administration’s sector reforms.
“Magalies Water was a relatively small water board prior to the disestablishment of the erstwhile Sedibeng Water. And it has doubled in terms of its workforce and finds itself operating in the entire North West.
Bulk Water and Sanitation Master Plan
“We have already commenced a process of reviewing and updating our Bulk Water and Sanitation Master Plan. This is a measure of proactiveness following the proclamation of our expanded service area. And to cover the entire province,” said Nthutang.
He said the document directs to the organisation’s future growth. It also addressed water and sanitation demands for both short and long term.
He explained that new areas usually struggled with shortage of bulk water infrastructure. And this strategic document was important in addressing such issues.
Nthutang also highlighted the utility’s financial challenges. Particularly inherited debt from Sedibeng Water merger.
“We have signed several payment agreements. And the debt is starting to translate into a reduced balance sheet of our debt book. However, given that we are not funded from the national fiscus, we intend to double our efforts. This while being supported by the board of entity on debt recovery implementation plans.
National Development Plan 2030
“We are focused on ensuring that government achieves its National Development Plan 2030 targets on improved access to water and sanitation services,” said Nthutang.
David Magae, Magalies Water spokesperson, said Nthutang had served in various engineering and management roles across the public and private sectors before joining the organisation.
He has worked at Vhembe District Municipality and at the National Department of Public Works. Also at BIP Cosulting Engineers, and Arup Consulting.
He is a registered professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Nthutang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand.
He also obtained a certificate in Investment as Risk Analysis from Queen’s University in Canada. And an MBA from the University of Reading, Henley Business School.
