Prof Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane, Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation at the University of Limpopo, has been appointed to the board of Lepelle Northern Water for a four-year term to contribute towards addressing water challenges in Limpopo
Appointment of Prof Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane strengthens efforts to improve water security, infrastructure and research collaboration in Limpopo
By Lesego Maaba – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
In response to persistent water shortages across South Africa, particularly in Limpopo, Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) has appointed a new board of directors that includes Prof Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane, a distinguished water expert from the University of Limpopo (UL)
Approved by the South African Cabinet in May 2026, the appointment is strategically designed to enhance existing partnership between UL and LNW in addressing the province’s complex water supply challenges.
Currently operating under the Department of Water and Sanitation, LNW provides bulk water services across 42% of its designated 80 000 square kilometre service area, which encompasses about 56% of Limpopo.
As the Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation at UL, Prof Mphahlele-Makgwane intends to leverage her dual role to bridge the gap between academic research and public water management. This collaboration comes at a critical time as the province grapples with water shortages and ageing infrastructure.
According to Prof Mphahlele-Makgwane, the newly constituted board will prioritise the expansion of regional water infrastructure, improve revenue collection, and integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into operations.
“The new board will focus primarily on business expansion, which will directly enhance revenue generation. Our goal is to connect more rural communities to the bulk water pipeline network and extend delivery lines to accommodate major industrial and mining sectors in Limpopo,” she said.
She emphasised: “No school, clinic, or household in the province should face dry taps or contaminated water systems.”
To achieve these goals, she noted that LNW plans to automate its facilities to enhance efficiency and strengthen overall service delivery.
According to Prof Mphahlele-Makgwane, the appointment will contribute to reinforcing the strategic partnership between LNW and UL by aligning academic programmes with real-world industry needs and creating opportunities for students and researchers.
“My appointment establishes a direct link between our academic research and public utility governance. It will provide opportunities for advanced student internships and graduate placement initiatives, allowing students to gain firsthand experience at water and wastewater treatment plants,” she said.
The partnership is also expected to accelerate impactful research focused on addressing severe water shortages in Limpopo and across the country.
“Academic research plays a crucial role in tackling water scarcity by developing local infrastructure technologies, introducing digital conservation tools, and providing data to inform public policy,” she noted.
She further emphasised the essential role universities play in improving water systems. “Universities contribute through research, policy support and skills development, which collectively help enhance long-term water security,” she said.
Reflecting on her appointment to the board, Prof Mphahlele-Makgwane said the opportunity is both an institutional honour and a civic responsibility.
“I was thrilled to receive the news of my appointment, particularly given the competitive nature of the selection process. I am honoured to take on this responsibility and to represent the University of Limpopo at this level,” she stated.
Prof Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane, Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation at the University of Limpopo, says her appointment to the Lepelle Northern Water board is expected to contribute towards improving access to clean water in rural communities across Limpopo.