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We explore the social processes supporting transformation towards collaborative water governance in the uMngeni catchment, South Africa. Using Holling's adaptive cycle as a heuristic of phases (conservation, release, reorganisation and exploitation) present during transformation of social-ecological systems, we consider the role of learning, power, agency and structure during each phase of the evolution of the uMngeni Ecological Infrastructure Partnership (UEIP). The UEIP is a partnership between government, research institutions, and civil society groups that facilitates broader and more collaborative participation in water management. During the conservation phase, strong control power and institutional structure (denoted by a hierarchical governance mode embodying control and regulation by the State) limited the introduction of new ideas and reinforced single-loop learning. The release phase was triggered by a shock which weakened control power and permitted the introduction of new ideas thereby enabling double-loop learning. The changing conditions gave rise to protean power (defined as results of practices of agile actors coping with uncertainty) which enhanced the agency of key actors who began to mobilise others in a rapid phase of re-organisation. Triple-loop learning was evident in the exploitation phase as new collaborative institutions, that were better able to accommodate innovative ideas, began to emerge. We found the adaptive cycle helpful for delineating phases of change, while the four multi-faceted processes of learning, power, agency and structure proved useful in illuminating dynamics of change. This understanding may help to inform actions to steer transformations towards more sustainable and collaborative water governance in South Africa and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the lens of the 12 OECD Principles on Water Governance, this article examines six water resources and water services frameworks in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America to understand enhancing and constraining contextual factors. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to analyze each framework against four criteria: alignment; implementation; on-ground results; and policy impact. Four main target areas are identified for improving water governance: policy coherence; financing; managing trade-offs; and ensuring integrity and transparency by all decision makers and stakeholders. Suggestions are presented to support practical implementation of the principles through better government action and stakeholder involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South African constitution enshrines the right to water for the well-being of its people. Recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and governmental reports show that this will be endangered by climate change. Recent high-resolution hydro-climatic model outputs give cause for further concern. Additionally, the South African Government is under pressure to implement progressive new water regulations; shift its overall water management approach; deal with skills shortages at all institutional levels; and cope with immense disparities and, hence, vulnerabilities within society. South Africa therefore faces huge water challenges in the coming years. This article questions whether the country's regulatory frameworks and laws on water sufficiently support adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, questions are raised on incorporating climatic and other uncertainties into decision-making processes. It is concluded that South African water law and regulatory systems do offer sufficient flexibility and openness to cope with an adaptive and participatory management approach. This may lead to a progressive management era when current weaknesses and threats are addressed through self-reflection by all actors, as well as through building on cultural differences and incorporating the most recent research findings and other relevant information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]