South African Water Minister Pemmy Majodina is visiting Namibia to advance cooperation on transboundary water management, climate resilience and infrastructure investment, as both countries seek to strengthen regional water security.
South Africa and Namibia are seeking to deepen cooperation on shared water resources, with South African Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina undertaking a five-day working visit to Namibia from Nov. 10 to 14.
According to a statement recently issued by the South African government, Majodina’s visit will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation, improving regional water governance and advancing joint efforts to address water security challenges.
During the visit, Majodina is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the third Namibia Regional Water Symposium in Swakopmund, running from November 10 to 13 under the theme “Ensuring Water Security Through Innovation, Collaboration, Climate Resilience and Responsible Water Stewardship”.
The symposium brings together government officials, water sector specialists, development partners, academics, industry representatives and young people to discuss sustainable solutions to water challenges across Southern Africa.
South African government spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said Majodina would highlight the importance of stronger cooperation between the two countries, climate resilience measures and investment in innovative technologies and water infrastructure.
The minister is also expected to share South Africa’s experience in addressing water security challenges through institutional reforms, public-private partnerships, infrastructure development and technological innovation, particularly measures aimed at improving water services and reducing water losses, Mavasa said.
Joint efforts on shared water resources
As part of the programme, Majodina and Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, are scheduled to meet the Permanent Water Commission (PWC) on Wednesday, November 11.
The commission serves as a technical body advising the two governments on the development and utilisation of shared water resources and other issues of mutual interest.
The two ministers are also scheduled to visit Akoande in Namibia’s Oshikoto Region on Friday, November 13, to inspect a drought-relief support programme financed by South Africa through the Africa Renaissance Fund and implemented by Rand Water.
The initiative supports Namibia’s efforts to strengthen water resilience through infrastructure projects, including decentralised water supply systems, desalination plants and a booster station.
Regional water security
South Africa and Namibia share longstanding historical, cultural and economic ties, as well as water resources that make cross-border coordination important for sustainable development and regional resilience.
Their cooperation also extends to regional institutions, including the Permanent Water Commission and the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), which promotes cooperation over the management of the Orange-Senqu River basin.
The visit comes as water security, climate change and infrastructure investment remain key priorities for Southern African countries seeking to improve access to reliable water supplies and strengthen resilience against drought and other climate-related pressures.
