Development

SIKHUPHE – South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, has arrived in Eswatini ahead of the signing of the revised Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) Treaty.

The minister arrived through King Mswati III International Airport ahead of the signing of the revised Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) Treaty between Eswatini and South Africa.

Majodina is expected to hold bilateral talks with the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, before the official signing ceremony.

The discussions will precede the formal signing of the revised treaty scheduled for today, March 13, 2026, at Maguga Lodge.

The revised treaty seeks to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on water resource management, unlock new development opportunities and promote economic growth within the region.

According to Majodina, this year has been declared the Year of Water by both the United Nations and the African Union.

She said her visit to Eswatini during Water Month was significant because of the transboundary water resources shared by the two countries.

“As you may know, there is a dam that we have built jointly with the country at 60/40,” she said.

The minister explained that the treaty that was signed when the dam project began needed to be revised to address current realities and future cooperation.

“The treaty that was signed at that time had to be revised. Today we will be signing a new treaty to say how far both countries can go on this dam,” she said.

Majodina further highlighted the importance of cooperation among countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) when it comes to water resources.

“What is more important in the SADC region is that we do not fight for water,” she said.

She emphasised that water is a shared and precious resource which must be managed collectively among neighbouring countries.

“So we share water with Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia and Lesotho,” she said.

The minister added that her visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, cooperation between governments and the overall relationship between the two nations.

Majodina also revealed that she had been invited to attend the Hlane Buganu Ceremony taking place at Hlane Royal Residence.

“I cannot wait and I am just excited,” she said.

The minister said she did not expect to become intoxicated during the ceremony, noting that she has never consumed alcoholic beverages.

“But marula, as I know it at home, has a little bit of alcohol,” she said.

South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina (C).