Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Cerro Seitorhoro called for decisive and increased investment in the water sector to secure Southern Africa’s future in the face of climate change and increasing water demand.
Speaking at the Orange and Senku River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilience Investment Conference in Maseru, Lesotho on Thursday, Mr Seitolo emphasized the urgent need for resilient water infrastructure and enhanced cross-border cooperation, saying they are essential for regional economic development, environmental sustainability and long-term water security.
“Water is the foundation of our economies, communities and ecosystems. In southern Africa, water connects us across borders. Our common future requires us to invest boldly and wisely to secure this most precious resource,” Seitolo said.
Mr Seitolo reaffirmed South Africa’s role as a founder and committed member of ORASECOM, noting that the country continues to champion regional cooperation towards the sustainable and equitable management of shared water resources. These include hosting responsibilities and contributing to basin-wide research and planning.
The Deputy Minister also noted that South Africa is actively engaged in major reforms to create an enabling environment for water investment.
These include legal reforms to strengthen water governance, reduce inefficiencies and attract private sector involvement through increased regulatory certainty and streamlining project processes.
He pointed to multiple opportunities for investors, from large-scale infrastructure and wastewater treatment to innovative technologies in reuse and smart meters.
The Deputy Minister further emphasized the role of public-private partnerships and noted continued efforts through the Department of Water Partnerships in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to accelerate investment.
“Investing in water is not just a necessity, it is a generational imperative. Our policy reforms, including institutional reforms and partnerships, demonstrate our readiness to work with all stakeholders to make water investment a success story,” said Zeitolo.
Mr Seitolo outlined the three strategic pillars of South Africa’s water strategy, including sustainability, technological advancement and climate adaptation.
He emphasized the need for robust risk management to address drought, floods and pollution, supported by government funding mechanisms such as the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant provided by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
He stressed that local communities must be at the heart of water solutions.
Ms Seitolo placed communities at the center of water governance and emphasized inclusive development, particularly through forums that support the involvement of youth, women and civil society.
He added that collaboration with NGOs and the private sector, including research institutions, continues to drive innovation and ensure evidence-based planning.
Finally, Mr Zaitololo reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering commitment to regional leadership and global engagement in the water sector.
Focus on water financing
Meanwhile, Mr Satorholo announced that South Africa will host the African Water Investment Summit in August. The summit is an initiative aimed at enabling large-scale investments and fostering multi-sector partnerships for water infrastructure development across Africa.
As South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, the Deputy Minister confirmed that water is not just a development issue, but a central pillar of economic resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable growth, and that water financing will be a key part of the agenda.
“South Africa is ready to lead by example in mobilizing political will, fostering investment and fostering cross-border cooperation to build a water-secure future for Africa and beyond.
“Let us seize this opportunity to mobilize the partnerships, political will and finance needed to secure a climate-resilient and water-secure future for our region. The decisions we make today must shape a legacy of inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for future generations,” Seitolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
