Manzi Water announces national expansion as access to clean water in South Africa worsens

SOUTH AFRICA – Manzi Water has unveiled plans to open seven new outlets across six South African provinces, extending its footprint amid mounting concerns over deteriorating access to safe drinking water. 

The expansion, confirmed by the company on 8 April 2025, will see new facilities open in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.

The move brings Manzi Water’s national presence to over 105 retail points and refill stations, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing bottled water and water refill companies since its launch in 2023. 

The company operates on a franchise model and currently employs more than 300 people.

Clean water access amid infrastructure strain

The announcement comes at a time when several parts of South Africa, including metropolitan areas, are experiencing severe water system stress. 

In Gauteng, the utility Rand Water has warned of possible water cuts due to plummeting reservoir levels, which recently fell below 30% capacity. 

Johannesburg, the country’s economic hub, has been particularly affected, with reports indicating that 40% of its water is lost through leaks and pipe bursts. As a result, thousands of residents have been queuing daily to access water from emergency supply points.

The company’s CEO, Alfred Challis, noted that the expansion would support access in areas where residents face water quality and supply challenges. 

“With these new outlets, communities from Limpopo to the Western Cape will have easier access to safe, clean drinking water, and we are just getting started,” he said.

Outlet locations and operations

Several of the new outlets are already in the process of opening. In Gauteng, Manzi Water will establish operations in Centurion at Jean Crossing and in Bronkhorstspruit at Kungwini Crossing. 

In Limpopo, a new outlet is set to open in Phalaborwa. Mpumalanga will receive an automated refill station at FruitCo in Acornhoek, while in the Northern Cape, a second outlet is opening in Kuruman at Kuruman Square.

In the North West, a second outlet will be added in Brits at Madibeng Mall, and a new refill station will be introduced in Klerksdorp at the TotalEnergies site on the N12. In the Western Cape, Worcester and Mossel Bay will each host new outlets, and a large-scale bottling facility is also under construction.

Employment and economic contribution

Manzi Water indicated that the expansion is expected to contribute to local economic development through job creation and franchising opportunities. 

All new outlets are expected to hire staff locally, supporting employment in small towns and peri-urban centres. 

The company has not disclosed the total investment involved in the new rollouts, but each site reportedly involves a combination of franchisee capital and operational support from Manzi Water’s head office.

Franchise model and competitive environment

The company’s growth strategy relies on franchising, with outlets offering bottled still and sparkling water, fruit juice, and refill stations. 

Manzi Water also maintains a distribution agreement with Circle K convenience stores located at Puma Energy forecourts, allowing for greater retail reach.

However, the company’s rapid expansion has not gone without friction. It is currently facing legal claims from Oasis Water, South Africa’s largest bottled water franchise. 

Oasis has alleged that several of its franchisees were poached by Manzi Water, accusing the company of encouraging them to convert in breach of contract. Manzi Water has denied the allegations, arguing that Oasis failed to uphold its marketing obligations and support for partners.

Retailers respond to water crisis

Amid the national water crisis, major South African retailers have also taken steps to improve affordability. 

Shoprite and Checkers have introduced discounted water pricing, offering purified drinking water at R1 per litre (US$0.052). The pricing initiative is aimed at helping vulnerable households cope with water poverty, particularly in provinces hardest hit by drought and infrastructure degradation.