This paper presents a preliminary WFA of South Africa (SA) based on data for the period 1996–2005. Crop
production was found to contribute about 75% of the total water footprint of national production. The total water footprint of
crop production is mainly composed of five crops: maize, fodder crops, sugarcane, wheat and sunflower seed, which account
for 83% of the crop water footprint. The average water footprint of a South African consumer is 1 255 m3/yr, below the world
average of 1 385 m3/yr, and is dominated by the consumption of meat (32%) and cereals (29%). About one fifth of this water
footprint of consumption is external to SA. While SA is a net virtual water importer, the virtual water trade analysis revealed
that a large share of blue water consumption is related to export. Sustainability concerns are that the major river basins face
severe blue-water scarcity for extended periods of the year, and that water pollution levels related to nitrogen and phosphorus
were found to be unsustainable in all river basins in SA. Efficient allocation and use of water is investigated by means of
comparing the consumptive water footprint to global benchmark values, as well as the economic green- and blue-water
productivity and the economic land productivity of the crops cultivated in SA. Furthermore, crops with specific potential for
biofuel production are assessed. Lastly, recommendations to address the identified issues are given.