Created by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in 2003, the WLSG is not a formal decision-making forum, but a platform aiming at sharing information, fostering a common vision, influencing policy and building consensus. Members include high-level representatives from relevant government departments such as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Environmental Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, Human Setdements, Mineral Resources, Trade and Industry as well as the Planning Commission, the Presidency and National Treasury. Other members include water institutions such as catchment management agencies, water boards and water users’ associations.