The study on Digital Twins in Managing Water-Energy-Food Sectors in South Africa

The study on Digital Twins (DT) in South Africa emphasizes DT's role in enhancing the efficiency of management and governance within the Water-Energy-Food nexus. By integrating data across energy, agriculture, and water sectors, DT provides a more cohesive and informed approach to decision-making where various stakeholders with multiple interests are involved. This integration enables streamlined governance processes and optimal resource utilization. Currently, governance in South Africa's water, energy, and food sectors is characterized by a mix of state and private involvement. The energy sector is overseen by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and includes state-owned entities, alongside private independent power producers and regulatory bodies. In agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development plays a key role, with additional input from various agricultural bodies and NGOs. Water rights are state-owned, managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation, and regulated through licenses, with local management by water boards and municipalities. The land is a mix of private and state ownership, with a focus on agricultural development and reform. By understanding the priorities and influences of different groups, anticipating conflicts, and fostering cooperation, through DTs, we can ensure that initiatives for environmental conservation are more widely successful.