Deputy Minister David Mahlobo lauds contribution from various countries to South Africa’s democracy, and the water and sanitation sector.
Supplied by Dept Water and Sanitation
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo has acknowledged partnerships with international communities regarding their contribution to the South African water sector, which guaranteed a sustainable and equitable supply of water to all South Africans.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo delivered a keynote address at a session with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Charge D’Affaires in South Africa, on “celebrating 30 years of sustainable partnership, strengthening partnerships with international partners, and forging a shared future”, hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation in Centurion, Tshwane on 06 December 2024.
Countries that were represented were China, Japan, Cuba, Egypt, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Senegal, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Denmark, and Finland. Deputy Minister Mahlobo acknowledged the support given by the international community to the South Africa to achieve the democracy it enjoys today, as well as the contribution and partnership in the country’s water and sanitation sector since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.
“All of the countries here today played a big part in various degrees to assist South Africa in our struggle for democracy. Your unwavering support did not go unnoticed, and your partnership continued to ensure that South Africa provide equitable and sustainable water supply, and a dignified sanitation to all its citizens. We therefore would like to thank you for the notable contributions you have made,” said Deputy Minister Mahlobo.
“When you engage with us here as a Department of Water and Sanitation, we should strive to maintain our partnership and forge ahead for the next 30 years, also taking into account the advances we have made. As our partners, do not be polite with us, but engage with us if there are matters of policy that makes it difficult for your participation. You need to raise matters that you don’t understand because we are an open-minded water sector,” said Mahlobo.
South Africa continues to enjoy transboundary partnerships on shared water resources with neighbouring states in the SADC region. South Africa and Lesotho are currently implementing the R42-billion Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project which includes the construction of the new Polihali Dam.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina Town in the Republic of South Africa. The transfer of treated water is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.
South Africa and The Netherlands have undertaken to create cooperation opportunities in the water and sanitation sector in an effort to strengthen the existing relations between the two states.
