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The Ilembe Siza Water Concession, established in 1999, transitioned from an initial period of non-profitability and poor service delivery to a profitable and effective public-private partnership (PPP). Early barriers included a legacy of underinvestment in infrastructure, public sector capacity constraints, and poor data collection. Siza Water overcame these by building a close relationship with the Ilembe District Municipality, taking more responsibility for consumer communication, and implementing a negotiated expansion strategy to ensure a sustainable consumer base. While systemic issues like high public sector staff turnover and reliance on Umgeni Water for bulk supply remain, the PPP is currently viewed as successful by both the private partner and shareholders.

The Borough of Dolphin Coast municipality engaged the private sector, via a deal involving SAUR Services and Siza, to upgrade failing water and sanitation infrastructure. While targets were met in wealthier areas, poorer areas suffered from unmet targets and tariff increases, contributing to 140 cholera cases in the first year. The concession faced financial instability by 2001, necessitating contract adjustments that reduced municipal fees and investment commitments while raising consumer prices.