IUCMA

02/04/2026

Happy Easter!

May this season of renewal bring peace, joy, and fresh inspiration to you and your loved ones.

Let’s continue working together to serve our communities and protect our natural resources.

31/03/2026

The Department of Water and Sanitation is currently hosting the official release of the 2025 Green Drop Report, alongside the Blue Drop and No Drop Progress Reports, at the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Banquet Hall in Middelburg.

Led by the Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation, this important ceremony provides a national overview of:
Wastewater system performance (Green Drop)
Drinking water quality and risks (Blue Drop)
Water Use Efficiency and Non-Revenue Water (No Drop)

The event highlights critical areas requiring intervention, supports the turnaround of municipal water services, and celebrates excellence within the sector through the Green Drop Awards.

Water remains the foundation of our economy and a key driver of social development. Through the Drop Programmes, we continue to measure, support, and strengthen the performance of Water Services Authorities in delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to all citizens.

Stakeholders from across the water sector are in attendance, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving municipal performance, addressing systemic challenges, and securing our water future.

30/03/2026

Day 1: IUCMA Catchment Field Visit

The IUCMA Catchment Stewardship Forum leadership, together with the IUCMA Executive Leadership, has commenced a strategic field visit aimed at strengthening collaboration and enhancing water resource management across the catchment.

The delegation is led by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mogema Mongane.
The first day of the visit began at Heshope Dam in the Usuthu sub-catchment, where the Department of Water and Sanitation provided valuable insights into the operational management and sustainability of the dam.

This engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to promote effective stewardship and ensure the long-term preservation of our water resources.

28/03/2026

26/03/2026

Closing National Water Month in Style.

As we wrap up National Water Month, the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA), in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and valued partners, is proudly celebrating Water Week at the Botanical Garden in Mbombela.
This year’s theme, “Water’s Role in Gender Equality,” highlights the critical link between sustainable water access and empowering both girls and boys to thrive equally.
Six schools from across the catchment are showcasing their creativity and innovation through water models they designed themselves:
• Lehawu Secondary School (Crocodile)
• Masakhane Secondary School (Upper Komati/Usuthu North)
• Mahasha Secondary School (Sand)
• Kurhula Secondary School (Sabie)
• Lugebhuta High School (Lower Komati)
• Izimbali Combined School (Usuthu)
The event, directed by Raquel Perumula from Manganese Metal Company, began on a proud note with the National Anthem.
Representing the Executive Mayor of the City of Mbombela, MMC Nkatha officially opened the programme, emphasising the importance of education in shaping the future:
“The African child is best taken care of by the education system in our country. We support innovative ideas so we can deliver clean and sustainable water to all.”
He further highlighted the importance of inclusivity and early development:
“It is inspiring to see both the boy and girl child equally represented. Focusing on Grades 8 & 9 prepares learners for critical subject choices in Grade 10 , especially encouraging Maths and Science.”
Department of Education Director, Mr. I. Zitha, reinforced the importance of education in addressing societal challenges:
“This initiative is a way of tackling poverty through quality education, nurturing a love for Mathematics and Science and preparing learners for future demands.”
Today, we celebrate young minds, innovation, and a future where water sustainability and education go hand in hand.

26/03/2026

Countdown Post (1 Day Before Each Region)
⏳ 1 DAY TO GO!
The Regional Science Schools Competition is almost here! 💧⚙
Young innovators are ready to demonstrate how groundwater solutions can transform rural homes and empower communities.
Who will secure their place in the Final during National Water Week 2026? 👀🏆
Stay tuned.

26/03/2026

The Day Has Arrived! 🎉💧

Today marks the GRAND FINALE of the National Water Science Schools Competition as we celebrate National Water Week 2026!

Under the powerful theme “Water’s Role in Gender Equality”, young brilliant minds from across the region are coming together to showcase innovation, creativity, and solutions that can shape a more sustainable and equitable future.

📍 Venue: Lowveld Botanical Garden
⏰ Time: 07h00

Get ready for an inspiring day filled with groundbreaking ideas, passionate learners, and the spirit of excellence! 🙌

Let’s cheer on our future scientists as they take the stage and make a difference!

24/03/2026

🎉 GRAND FINALE ALERT! 💧🔬

The wait is over! The Final Science Schools Competition for National Water Week 2026 is here!

Join us as the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) and its partners host this highly anticipated event under the theme:“Water’s Role in Gender Equality” 🌍✨

📅 Date: 26 March 2026⏰ Time: 07h00📍 Venue: Lowveld Botanical Garden

After weeks of exciting regional competitions, the top learners are ready to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions around water and sustainability.

Let’s come together to celebrate young talent, science, and the future of water stewardship! 💙

📞 For more information: 078 459 0349🌐 www.iucma.co.za

24/03/2026

⏳ 1 Day to Go! 💧🔬

The countdown is almost over! We are just 1 day away from the Final Science Schools Competition of National Water Week 2026.

Under the theme “Water’s Role in Gender Equality”, learners from across the region are ready to showcase innovative ideas and solutions that highlight the importance of water in building inclusive and sustainable communities. 🌍✨

After an exciting series of regional competitions, all eyes are now on the finals — where the brightest young minds will take the stage!

📍 Stay tuned as we celebrate knowledge, innovation, and the future of water stewardship.

📞 For more information: 078 459 0349
🌐 www.iucma.co.za

24/03/2026

The Usuthu Sub-Catchment Regional Science School Competition is currently underway at Buhlebuzile High School in Piet Retief, within the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

This marks the final leg of the six regional competitions that have been taking place since the beginning of National Water Month. The initiative continues to inspire young minds to engage with critical water and environmental issues, showcasing innovation, knowledge, and passion from learners across the region.

Stay tuned as we wrap up the regional rounds and prepare for the much-anticipated finals!

24/03/2026

Lower Komati Sub-Catchment Science Schools Competition

The Lower Komati Sub-Catchment proudly hosted an exciting and inspiring Science Schools Competition, celebrating young innovators and future leaders in science!

The event was graced by MMC, Ms. Lindiwe Vuma, whose presence encouraged learners to continue striving for excellence in science and environmental awareness.

🏆 Competition Results:
🥇 1st Place: Lugebhuta Secondary School
🥈 2nd Place: Idlangamabala Secondary School
🥉 3rd Place: Inkomazi Secondary School

Congratulations to all participating schools for their outstanding efforts and dedication. Your passion for science and commitment to understanding water and environmental challenges is truly commendable. 💧🌱

24/03/2026

🚀🔬 4 DAYS TO GO! 🔬🚀

The countdown is ON! Just 4 days until the Final National Science Competition takes centre stage! 🏆✨

Our brightest young innovators are ready to showcase groundbreaking ideas, bold solutions, and the future of science as we know it. 🌍💡

Who will rise to the top? Who will take home the ultimate glory? 👩🏾‍🔬👨🏽‍🔬

Stay tuned, support your finalists, and get ready to witness brilliance in action!