SA Champions Climate-Resilient Water Investment at ORASECOM Conference

At the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilient Investment Conference held in Maseru, Lesotho, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Sello Seitlholo, issued a compelling call for intensified investment in Southern Africa’s water sector. Addressing delegates from across the region on Thursday, Seitlholo framed water infrastructure investment not only as a developmental necessity but as a moral and generational imperative vital for securing the region’s economic and environmental future.

A Regional Imperative in the Face of Climate Challenges

Seitlholo began by highlighting the pressing threat that climate change and rising water demands pose to Southern Africa, which is already one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. He described water as the foundational element upon which the economies, communities, and ecosystems of the region rest. Moreover, water represents a unique integrative force in Southern Africa, binding nations together through shared river basins such as the Orange-Senqu.

“Water is the foundation upon which our economies, communities, and ecosystems rest. In Southern Africa, it also binds us together across borders,” he emphasized. “Our shared future demands that we invest boldly and wisely in securing this most precious resource.”

Reinforcing South Africa’s Commitment to ORASECOM

Seitlholo reaffirmed South Africa’s enduring commitment to ORASECOM, of which it is a founding member. He underscored the country’s ongoing leadership in promoting regional cooperation for the sustainable and equitable management of shared water resources. South Africa not only hosts key ORASECOM structures but also supports basin-wide research and policy development through robust technical contributions and planning expertise.

Legislative Reforms to Unlock Water Investment

Central to South Africa’s current strategy is a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory reforms aimed at improving governance and encouraging investment. The Deputy Minister outlined plans for amendments to water-related legislation to streamline project implementation, enhance transparency, and create regulatory certainty for both public and private stakeholders.

The reforms include incentives to attract private-sector investment, especially in critical areas such as bulk water supply systems, wastewater treatment, water reuse technologies, and smart metering. These initiatives are designed to bolster resilience while simultaneously ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency.

Role of Public-Private Partnerships and Innovation

Seitlholo highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating infrastructure development. He referenced the Water Partnership Office, a joint initiative between the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), which is facilitating PPPs in a range of projects.

“Innovative models of collaboration—between government, financiers, and civil society—are essential for catalyzing investment and ensuring sustainable water outcomes,” he said. “We are committed to institutional innovation that unlocks opportunities and strengthens accountability.”

Strategic Pillars for South Africa’s Water Future

The Deputy Minister detailed three strategic pillars underpinning South Africa’s water investment framework:

1. Sustainability: Focus on building long-term, environmentally sound water infrastructure.

2. Technological Advancement: Emphasis on smart technologies and digital water management tools.

3. Climate Adaptation: Integration of climate risk into planning, project design, and disaster management strategies.

He also pointed to key funding mechanisms such as the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), which are already supporting municipal and regional projects aimed at addressing service backlogs and enhancing resilience.

Communities and Inclusivity at the Core

A major theme in Seitlholo’s address was the need to place communities, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable populations, at the center of water governance and planning processes. He emphasized the creation of inclusive forums and the importance of partnerships with NGOs, research institutions, and civil society groups to promote evidence-based policy development and community-driven solutions.

“Communities must not be passive recipients but active participants in water planning and decision-making,” Seitlholo asserted.

Spotlight on Continental Leadership and Upcoming Summit

The conference also served as a platform for announcing that South Africa will host the Africa Water Investment Summit in August 2025. This flagship event aims to unlock significant continental and global financing for water infrastructure and to strengthen cross-sector partnerships.

The summit will align with South Africa’s upcoming G20 Presidency, during which the government intends to position water financing as a key agenda item. This is a significant step in reframing water security not merely as a development issue, but as a cornerstone of economic resilience and climate adaptation.

A Vision for Future Generations

Concluding his address, Seitlholo issued a passionate appeal to regional leaders, donors, and the private sector to work collectively toward a water-secure future. “Let us seize this moment to mobilise the partnerships, political will, and financing needed to ensure a climate-resilient and water-secure future for our region,” he said. “What we decide today must shape a legacy of inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for generations to come.”

By linking local action with global vision, South Africa continues to position itself as a leader in advancing sustainable water governance in Africa and beyond.