The water management component of the Local Government Capacity Programme (LGCP) is called the Kingfisher Programme. In 2012 the South African water governance structure was reorganised to include the decentralisation of tasks from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs). The goal was to establish nine CMAs by the end of 2015. The Kingfisher Programme was introduced in South Africa with the aim of supporting this development by providing (Dutch) expertise of water authorities and municipalities.

The Kingfisher programme came about through a unique partnership between the Netherlands Association of Local Governments and the Association of Dutch Water Authorities. Through a colleague-to-colleague approach this programme works towards improved local water management.

Notable results achieved:

• By the end of 2016, a comprehensive CMA starter pack was developed for the Department of Water and Sanitation. The starter pack will be used as a guide for running the nine Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
• Extension of the Kingfisher Programme- in early 2017 the programme received further funding from the Netherlands Association of Local Governments