Proposed regulations governing access to South Africa's public dams could erode property values and disrupt key lifestyle economies, warns Chas Everitt International.
Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the draft regulations aim to introduce stricter controls over access to State dams as well as other waterworks and surrounding land, including new approval requirements and potential lease agreements for the use of dam surfaces and access infrastructure such as slipways and jetties.
And they are likely to have significant unintended consequences for property values, lifestyle estates and local economies built around water-based recreation, according to Chas Everitt International CEO Berry Everitt.
"The implications could be particularly severe for properties situated around some of the country’s best-known dams, including the Gariep Dam, Vaal Dam, Hartbeespoort Dam, Theewaterskloof Dam, Loskop Dam, Sterkfontein Dam and Pongolapoort Dam," he says.
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“These dams are not only critical national water assets, they are also some of SA’s most important lifestyle and tourism destinations. They support boating, fishing, nature tourism, weekend accommodation markets and a wide range of small businesses.”
Everitt notes that demand for waterfront and near-water properties is strongly linked to unrestricted access and lifestyle expectations. Any regulatory changes that introduce uncertainty around access rights, recreational use or the cost of using the water could directly impact buyer sentiment. “Waterfront property derives much of its value from access and usability. If that access becomes subject to additional approvals, leases or administrative barriers, it changes the investment case for both primary homes and holiday properties.
"Many waterfront properties also command a premium specifically due to their recreational appeal and proximity to tourism activity, which benefits local businesses and communities. Thus any restrictions could not only affect property values but have a negative ripple effect on entire local economies by reducing the demand for the services they provide, including hospitality, boating, angling, camping and retail."
While recognising the need for responsible water management, he says regulation must carefully balance environmental governance with economic sustainability and existing usage rights.
"So we are strongly encouraging affected property owners, buyers and investors to urgently lodge their objections to the proposed regulations before the 15th April 2026 deadline."
*Objections can be made via email to gww@dws.gov.za or igors@da.org.za using the attached document.
Issued by
Chas Everitt International
For more information
Contact Berry Everitt
On +27 82 441 3601
Or visit www.chaseveritt.co.za
