Magalies Water Board Wraps Up Week-Long Knowledge Exchange Journey to China
Rustenburg – The Magalies Water Board recently held a comprehensive five-day strategic knowledge-sharing session in Shanghai, China, supported by the New Development Bank (NDB).
The core objective of this event was to enable information exchange, gain insights from the industry, and explore proactive infrastructure designs and initiatives undertaken by selected peers in the water sector in Shanghai, China.
This knowledge-sharing endeavor represents a significant achievement for the Magalies Water Board.
On Friday, 25 July 2025, the board revealed that two projects would gain from the NDB’s social and economic funding initiative: the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme and the Moretele North Klipvoor Bulk Water Supply Scheme.
“Both projects have entered the post-appraisal phase, reflecting increased momentum for coordinated implementation and effective project delivery,” stated David Magae, spokesperson for Magalies Water in the North West.
“As these projects advance into the design development phase, the knowledge-sharing initiative is vital in aligning these future projects with advanced design methodologies used by leading international water treatment and design institutions.
“This collaboration will help incorporate best practices and innovative strategies from industry leaders, enhancing the prospects for successful implementation and optimizing performance outcomes.”
Magae highlighted that valuable insights were obtained from several NDB-funded projects currently underway in various neighboring provinces near Shanghai.
“One prominent initiative focuses on an integrated post-treatment protocol that efficiently combines advanced technological processes,” the spokesperson elaborated.
“This initiative aims to minimize taste and odor compounds in drinking water, specifically targeting common contaminants like Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol.
“The treatment process synergistically integrates Ozone treatment, Granular Activated Carbon filtration, and Ultraviolet irradiation as final polishing steps, enhancing the overall efficacy of the water purification process.”
Led by Luo Yang, Team Leader of the NDB, the initiative included Magalies Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Ofentse Nthutang.
Magae noted that the Magalies Water team had the chance to tour five significant water treatment facilities, including:
- The Suzhou Wuzhong Water Company treatment plant, water intake facility and pump station,
- Ice slurry intervention site,
- Shenzhou Water Treatment Works and Smart Water Centre,
- Shanghai Chengtou Raw Water Company and Shanghai Yangshupu Waterworks, and finally,
- The Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute.
Magae asserted that these visits provided critical insights into the execution of ongoing projects and improved the development of current water treatment facilities, with a focus on gradually adopting smart water management and advanced treatment technologies for Magalies Water.
As the visit concluded, Nthutang emphasized the significance of the knowledge-sharing initiative, the key insights gained, and the necessity for ongoing collaboration among the participating entities, both locally and globally.
The Magalies Water CEO reiterated that challenges faced by water treatment entities are interconnected, regardless of their geographical locations and water sources.
He reaffirmed Magalies Water’s commitment to supplying water to its consumers that meets or exceeds the drinking water standards set by the SANS 241:2015 standard, necessitating continuous improvement collaborations and partnerships.
Nthutang expressed appreciation to the NDB for providing this valuable platform, reinforcing the bank’s vital role not only as a financier but also as a strategic partner in promoting sustainable development.
