New water legislation a threat to economy – IRR

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has warned MPs that the National Water Amendment Bill of 2026 poses risks to agriculture, and the wider economy, which could imperil food security and worsen deprivation. This warning is contained in the IRR’s submission to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation. The IRR recommends that the Bill be scrapped, as many of its provisions are unconstitutional. Jeffery points out that “successful land reform cannot be achieved through the forced redistribution of land and water to people generally lacking the many ingredients vital to success in farming.” Media contact: Anthea Jeffery, IRR Head of Policy Research Tel: +27 11 482 7221; Email: ajj@irr.org.zaMedia enquiries: Michael Morris, Head of Media Tel: +2766 302 1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za