Kusini Water is a social enterprise that builds water treatment systems from nanotechnology and macadamia nut shells. Kusini’s systems bring clean, safe drinking water to people in rural, peri-urban and informal settlements throughout South Africa.

SME Business Review reached out to Murendeni Mafumo, founder of Kusini Water, for an interview to discuss his journey, the impact of Kusini Water, and the future of clean water access. He shared insights on innovation, sustainability, and the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing water scarcity. Here’s what Mr. Mafumo had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What inspired you to start Kusini Water?

My background is in water science, and I worked for the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg before starting Kusini Water. I saw firsthand how many communities struggled with access to clean drinking water. The challenge wasn’t just about availability; it was also about affordability and sustainability. I wanted to create a solution that was practical, scalable, and community-driven. That’s what led to Kusini Water.

Your water purification system uses nanotechnology and macadamia nut shells. How did that idea come about?

I have always been interested in how we can use locally available resources to solve big problems. South Africa has a thriving macadamia nut industry, and I realized the shells could be used as an activated carbon source for water filtration. Combining that with nanotechnology allowed us to create an effective system that removes bacteria and contaminants without electricity or waste discharge.

Why is sustainability such a key focus for Kusini Water?

Water scarcity is not just an issue for today—it’s a long-term problem. If we rely only on traditional methods that waste water or require too much energy, we’re not really solving anything. Our approach is different. We use renewable energy, avoid chemical waste, and build systems that last. The goal is to provide clean water without creating another environmental burden.

How does Kusini Water empower local communities?

We don’t just install water systems and leave. We train people within the community to run water kiosks and create small businesses around access to clean water. Through our Water Champion program, we support local entrepreneurs who want to be part of the solution. This way, clean water also becomes a source of economic opportunity.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in your journey?

Funding is always a challenge, especially for social enterprises. Unlike traditional businesses that focus purely on profit, we have to balance impact with financial sustainability. But we’ve managed to grow by forming partnerships with organizations that share our vision. Another challenge is changing mindsets—convincing people that innovation in water purification doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

You aim to provide clean water to 5 million people by 2025. How do you plan to achieve that?

We are scaling up by working with more partners, both in the public and private sectors. We’re expanding our water kiosks, improving our technology, and making sure our systems reach areas where the need is greatest. The more communities we engage, the closer we get to that goal.

What keeps you motivated despite the obstacles?

Seeing the impact firsthand. When you watch a child drink safe water for the first time or hear from a family that no longer has to walk miles to fetch water, it makes everything worth it. We’re not just working with numbers; we’re changing lives. That’s what keeps me going.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to make a difference?

Start with a real problem, and make sure your solution is practical. It’s easy to get caught up in ideas, but impact comes from execution. Also, don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start. You’ll figure things out as you go.

If you could change one thing about how people see water access, what would it be?

I’d want people to see it as a basic right, not a privilege. Clean water shouldn’t be something only certain communities have. It should be available to everyone, no matter where they live. That’s the mindset we need to change.

What’s next for Kusini Water?

We’re always improving our technology and expanding our reach. The focus now is on making our systems even more accessible and increasing the number of communities we serve. We have ambitious goals, but every new installation gets us one step closer.

Murendeni Mafumo, Founder, Kusini Water