The Olifants River is an important river for both human activity and the natural environment. There are many challenges that face the catchment area of the river. Due to the size of the catchment, different portions may fall under different jurisdictions, and the lack of communication between the relevant governmental entities involved results in decisions being made upstream without due consideration of the downstream consequences. In addition, increased population has been placing more stress on the river to satisfy increasing domestic, agricultural and industrial use. This issue is further compounded by the drought the catchment has been experiencing since 2017, with the possible reality that the river might yet again not flow through the Kruger National Park.

Realising that there was a need for action, an oganisation stepped in to fill a number of roles traditionally performed by government. It made recommendations with regards to which dams water is sourced from in times of need. It is acting as a middle man between the municipal, provincial and national departments involved. It monitors the river in real time at a number of locations, including the Kruger National Park. It aims to conduct technical training with key personnel at various affected municipalities.

These solutions do remove and improve the management and administration of the water resource. However, it doesn't deal with the main issue, which is the increased stress being placed on the catchment in terms of both pollution levels and consumption. More should be done to promote the responsible use of water as well as maintaining water infrastructure in order to minimise losses and reduce the overall consumption of water. Enforcement of the conditions of water use licenses must be taken more seriously and illegal water uses and abstraction should be clamped down on.