KSB Pumps and Valves has officially launched the Imvubu wastewater pump, a locally developed self-priming solution engineered to meet Africa’s toughest wastewater challenges. Built in South Africa, the new KSB Imvubu wastewater pump blends powerful performance, simplified maintenance, and African durability in one design.
African Strength, African Design
Named after the Zulu word for hippopotamus, the Imvubu reflects both strength and ingenuity. Its large solids-handling inlet — or “big mouth” — and distinctive lifting “ears” mirror the hippo’s form while symbolizing the pump’s power and resilience.
According to Hugo du Plessis, Product Manager for Wastewater at KSB, the Imvubu is the result of extensive collaboration with municipal engineers and industry operators across Southern Africa.
“We listened to the market’s frustrations: frequent clogging, difficult seal changes, and thin-walled casings that wear fast. The Imvubu directly addresses these pain points. It’s a proudly South African design that takes the best global technology and optimises it for our environment,” du Plessis explained.
Performance Beyond Expectation
Developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the Imvubu delivers more than 65 % hydraulic efficiency, placing it ahead of conventional self-priming wastewater pumps.
It also achieves a 77.3 mm free-pass solids capacity, surpassing the global benchmark of 76 mm — a seemingly small yet crucial improvement that prevents costly blockages and downtime.
“If a pump can pass a bigger solid, it clogs less. Less clogging means fewer callouts, less downtime, and lower maintenance costs,” du Plessis added.
Simplified Maintenance and Robust Build
The KSB Imvubu wastewater pump introduces several design innovations aimed at longevity and serviceability:
- Grease-for-life bearings – removing the need for oil lubrication and reducing contamination risks.
- KSB mechanical seals lubricated by the pumped medium — cleaner, safer, and easier to maintain.
- Heavy-duty volute walls – resisting abrasion and erosion for extended operational life.
- Quick-access inspection hatch – enabling technicians to remove blockages without dismantling the suction cover.
These features ensure reliable operation even in regions with limited technical resources, reducing both downtime and environmental risk.
Engineered Versatility
The Imvubu’s robust, modular design makes it suitable for multiple industries beyond municipal wastewater, including:
- Mining sumps and dewatering
- Industrial effluent and pulp & paper plants
- Agricultural waste ponds and river abstraction
- Flood and emergency dewatering
It can easily switch between low and high flow duties using simple pulley adjustments and can be diesel-mounted for mobile or remote pumping applications.
Proudly South African, Globally Competitive
As a 100 % locally manufactured product, the Imvubu pump aligns with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) localisation strategy.
It supports local jobs while positioning KSB Pumps and Valves as a regional exporter of high-value engineered products across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“This pump shows South Africa’s ability to lead, not follow,” said du Plessis. “The Imvubu represents a major leap in sustainable wastewater management for the continent.”
A Timely Answer to Infrastructure Challenges
With South Africa’s wastewater systems under immense strain, municipalities urgently need reliable, low-maintenance technology.
The KSB Imvubu wastewater pump answers that call with strength, simplicity, and serviceability — all vital for rebuilding essential infrastructure and preventing costly spills.
