A Systematic Review of Drinking Water Quality Challenges, Solutions and Governance Pathways for Achieving SDG 6 in South Africa

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. Despite notable policy and institutional reforms, many developing countries, including South Africa, continue to face complex and interconnected challenges related to water quality, governance, infrastructure, financing, and institutional capacity that impede progress towards achieving SDG 6. A systematic literature review methodology was applied using predefined eligibility criteria and data sources to identify evidence related to drinking water quality and SDG 6 implementation. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach, 241 records were initially identified. After screening and eligibility assessment, 115 records were retained for detailed analysis, while studies not focused on South Africa, not directly related to drinking water quality, or lacking sufficient empirical evidence were excluded. The review reveals that drinking water quality in South Africa is increasingly threatened by various challenges that may hinder the achievement of SDG 6. The findings highlight the importance of integrated interventions that combine infrastructure renewal, technological innovation, strengthened regulatory compliance, improved wastewater management, ecosystem protection, institutional reform, and stakeholder participation. To address these interconnected challenges, the study proposes the Governance, Technology, Finance, Capacity and Institutions (GTFCI) Framework as an integrated implementation pathway for SDG 6. The framework positions governance, institutional capacity, technology, and financing as foundational enablers of water service delivery, while integrated water resources management (IWRM) serves as the coordinating mechanism linking water services, ecosystem sustainability, and long-term water security. International cooperation and community participation function as cross-cutting support mechanisms that reinforce implementation across all SDG 6 targets. The proposed GTFCI Framework provides a practical and strategic model for strengthening drinking water quality, enhancing water security, and accelerating progress towards the sustainable achievement of SDG 6 by 2030.