Lesotho, SA clash over new term for water project CEO

Amid tension between South Africa and Lesotho over the reappointment of Tente Tente as CEO of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), an economist yesterday warned a collapse of the water supply could have significant consequences for the Gauteng economy.

- Brian Sokutu

This comes as Johannesburg residents face a weekend of acute water shortages, with two major pump stations around South Africa's economic hub undergoing maintenance.

Asked for comment on the diplomatic and economic impact of the SA-Lesotho fallout, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said: "We are not going to respond on this."

The LHDA, which is responsible for the delivery of water from Lesotho to SA under the 1986 treaty, has handed Tente another term.