Majodina advances regional water cooperation during Namibia visit

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is undertaking a working visit to Namibia to strengthen regional cooperation on transboundary water resources and advance joint efforts to improve water security. 

During the visit, taking place from 10-14 November 2026, Majodina will deliver a Guest Speaker address at the 3rd Namibia Regional Water Symposium in Swakopmund from 10 to 13 November 2026.

Hosted under the theme: "Ensuring water security through innovation, collaboration, climate resilience and responsible water stewardship", the symposium brings together government leaders, water sector experts, development partners, academia, industry representatives and youth to discuss solutions to water security challenges facing the Southern African region.

Department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the Minister will highlight the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Namibia, enhancing regional water governance, advancing climate resilience measures and promoting investment in innovative technologies and infrastructure, to secure sustainable water supplies for future generations.

“The Minister is also expected to share South Africa's experiences in addressing water security challenges through institutional reforms, public-private partnerships, infrastructure development and technological innovation, aimed at improving water services and reducing water losses,” Mavasa said in a statement.

Majodina, together with Namibia's Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister, Inge Zaamwani, will on Wednesday, 11 November, meet the Permanent Water Commission (PWC) to discuss strategic water resource issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

The PWC is a technical structure set up by the two countries to advise on matters relating to the development and utilisation of water resources of common interest.

The programme will also include a site visit by the two Ministers to Akoande in the Oshikoto Region on Friday, 13 November, where a drought-relief support programme funded by South Africa through the Africa Renaissance Fund is being implemented by Rand Water.

The programme supports Namibia's efforts to strengthen water resilience through infrastructure projects, including decentralised water supply systems, desalination plants and a booster station.

South Africa and Namibia share deep historical, cultural, economic, and water resource ties, making stronger water cooperation essential for sustainable development and regional resilience.

The two countries enjoy regional cooperation through institutions such as the PWC and the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM). – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.