In response to delegate feedback requesting hands-on, practical training for navigating the water use authorisation environment, CBSS has partnered with the Water Institute of South Africa (WISA), to present a two-day WULAs and eWULAAS Masterclass in Pretoria and the Western Cape. This Masterclass builds on the foundational knowledge gained in the CBSS Water Governance Training Course. This page contains the Course Description for the WULAs and eWULAAS Masterclass, which is structured to be hands-on, relevant, and immediately applicable to real-world challenges in the water use authorisation space.
The National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) places the water resources of South Africa under control of the Minister of Water and Sanitation, who is the public trustee of our water resources, and who is tasked to protect, manage and control the use of our water resources.
The use of water is described under the NWA to include both consumptive use such as abstraction, and non-consumptive use such as altering the beds of watercourses, using water resources to discharge waste, recreation, etc. As such, the Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has the power to decide who can use water under which circumstances. Water can only be used under governance of one of four (4) types of Water Use Authorisations, namely a water use declared under Schedule 1 of the NWA, a General Authorisation, a continuation of an Existing Lawful Use (ELU), or in terms of a Water Use License (WUL).
Failure to obtain a WUL where one is required, and failure to comply with the conditions of a WUL, once issued, can give rise to severe penalties and risks for a company or local authority. There are however many constrains, difficulties and pitfalls in the water use license application (WULA) process that can hamper applicants from being successful with their applications, or that can delay the WULA process for years, or that can result in the issuing of a WUL that is not aligned with the site-specific situation, which creates difficulties with compliance, and has associated liabilities.
The course facilitates understanding of the relevant provisions in the NWA that relate to water use authorisation and the circumstances under which a WUL is required, as well as of the process to apply for (and amend) a WUL. Practical aspects associated with the substantive and procedural issues around WULAs, as currently described in the Regulations regarding the Procedural Requirements for Water Use License Applications (WULAs) and Appeals (GN R267), which were published on 24 March 2017, procedures and guidelines of the DWS, including the preparation of specific documents such as Integrated Water and Waste Management Plans (IWWMPs), and regulatory requirements for the five different types of WUL amendments are also covered.
Course Objective and Structure
Specific Course Outcomes and Key Benefits
Who should attend this course?
Entrance Requirements
Course Objective and Structure
This two-day advanced, in-person Masterclass course s designed specifically for professionals who have already completed the CBSS 3-Day Water Governance Training Course. It focuses on the practical application of Water Use Licence Applications (WULAs) and the eWULAAS online system. It facilitates understanding of water use authorisation and the circumstances under which a WUL is required, as well as of the process to apply for (and amend) a WUL.
Specific Course Outcomes and Key Benefits
Upon completion of the Masterclass, delegates will be able to –
- grasp the complexities of the legal requirements for water use authorisation, especially with regard to the following:
- Identification of activities that are described as a ‘water use’ under section 21 of the NWA
- Types of Water Uses, and differentiating between water uses authorised under Schedule 1, as Existing Lawgul Uses, or Generally Authorised water uses;
- Determine the need to apply for a Water Use License;
- Procedural and Substantive aspects of Water Use License Applications (WULAs); and
- Considerations for evaluating WULAs – section 27 of the NWA;
- prepare a WULA and IWWMP containing the relevant technical documentation that addresses the requirements of the WUL Regulations;
- navigate and troubleshoot the eWULAAS online portal;
- comprehend the process, role, and importance of the auditing of compliance with the conditions of a WUL;
- The five different WUL Amendment processes;
- Interaction with DWS and CMA officials, and responses to requests for information in accordance with the PAJA requirements of lawfulness, reasonableness, and procedural fairness.
Practical discussions and exercises aimed at grasping the concepts and topics under discussion will be conducted in a group situation.
Who should attend this course?
This course is designed for environmental consultants, environmental compliance officers (ECOs), legal practitioners and professionals in management and planning in the public and private sectors, NGOs and water sector stakeholders, who wish to improve their understanding of the Water Use Authorisation process and who want to discuss some practical issues to find solutions for the day-to-day challenges they experience with WULAs, WULs, and the eWULAAS online portal.
Entrance Requirements
Successful completion of the CBSS Course on Water Governance in South Africa
The Course is endorsed by WISA, who facilitates the granting of CPD-points to delegates that meet the requirements for participation and attendance.
An Assessment will be conducted upon conclusion of the course to ensure quality, and a Certificate of Attendance which can be used to claim TWO (2) CPD-points from WISA, SACNASP and ECSA will be awarded to successful delegates.
Have a look at our Course Schedule and book your seat in our next Course!
Gain confidence in compiling technically sound WULAs and navigating the complex regulatory process. Learn to work effectively with the eWULAAS system, avoid common mistakes, and meet the expectations of the DWS.
Excellent Presenter
"Carin is an excellent presenter. I now understand the complexity of water use licenses, and how good water governance requires a change in human behaviour, to protect our health and the future of our children"
2 - 4 March 2020
Will attend again!
"I will definitely attend again as I find it very helpful and meaningful to engage with like minded people to discuss and argue about present day water governance problems and seek solutions for them"
1 October 2019
Good value
"Time very well spent, and value for money. Finally, I have a much clearer idea of legislative processes and the legal frameworks relating to water in South Africa."
17 - 19 September 2021
Very impressed
"Very, very impressed with the level of practical knowledge Carin has, and the manner in which she conveyed it to us. This was extremely valuable"
7 - 9 September 2021
Interested?
Register today
If you need more knowledge and skills about water governance and water use license applications, make sure to register today for our next course!
