Investing in a united and water-secure SA

WATER is not only a basic human right, but also the foundation of development, dignity, and stability. As we confront the dual pressures of climate change and increasing water demand, the call to invest boldly and urgently in our water infrastructure is more critical than ever. This moment demands leadership, collaboration, and above all, unity.

- SELLO SEITLHOLO

At the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilient Investment Conference in Maseru, Lesotho, recently, I reaffirmed South Africa's deep and unwavering commitment to regional water cooperation. As the host nation and an active member of ORASECOM, South Africa has long championed the sustainable and equitable management of transboundary water resources. These rivers not only feed our economies and cities, but they also bind us as a region.

But our shared future hinges on action. ORASECOM's Basin-wide Climate Resilient Strategy and Plan has laid out the path forward. The identified priority projects, valued at approximately $7.5 billion, are not wish lists; they are essential for ensuring long-term water security, boosting climate resilience, and driving socio-economic development in our region.

Here at home, the challenges are immense. Too many South Africans, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, continue to live without reliable access to clean water. In these communities, water scarcity translates into lost educational opportunities, worsening health outcomes, and deepened poverty. Infrastructure investment is not just a technical necessity; it is a moral imperative.