Whilst noting the reforms in the water and environmental sectors, reports by the Department of Water Affairs and the Department of Environmental Affairs, highlight the challenges confronting the environment and water sectors in South Africa. In its first 'Environmental Performance Review of South Africa, 2013', the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) praises South Africa's progress made with reforms that improves the well-being of South Africans and preserves its rich natural habitat, but like the respective Departments, notes the challenges highlighted below. In further aligning and strengthening the Departments' plans, programmes and goals with the priorities of Government initiative, the Departments will need to give further consideration to the following issues.