Category: South Africa Government

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Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the occasion of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers, Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay, Broadwalk ICC

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane;
Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni;
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe;
NAACAM President, Ugo Frigerio;
NAACAM Vice Presidents, Andrea Moz, Arthur Mtombeni and Jacques Rikhotso;
NAACAM CEO, Renai Moothilal;
NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim;
AIDC-EC board chairperson, Phumzile Zitumane;
AIDC-EC CEO, Thabo Shenxane;
Naamsa president, Billy Tom;
AITF CEO, Jabulani Selumane,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are meeting here today in the month that we remember and honour the sacrifices that the women of South Africa have made over the past 70 years, materialising most significantly through the march of 1956, which changed the political landscape of apartheid South Africa.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to address the first P20 Women’s Parliament of the seventh administration, an important event for Parliament, but also for the global women’s movement in the year that South Africa chairs the G20 Presidency. Women, youth, and other marginalised groups must not be left behind in the transformation process of the sector, and this must be a goal that NAACAM is committed to, in line with the country’s overall transformation agenda.

South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is a significant moment for the continent and the global south, and through its theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, also seeks to contribute to the automotive sector by putting on the table relevant discussions that pertain to economic resilience and growth, sustainability and the green transition, and global governance reform among other things. 

I specifically make mention of this because it is important that, as a sector, you are also positioned to enhance the discussion at that level, considering that this is a global industry.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This session takes place at a time when South Africa’s automotive and manufacturing industries are navigating tough times, just as our economy was starting to show signs of recovery.

This extraordinary time necessitates collaboration between the government and the private sector to address the growing dependence on imports, infrastructural inadequacies, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and the issue of a 30 per cent tariff increase.

I am pleased that the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), the foremost representative of South Africa’s automotive component industry, has convened us at this opportune moment to delineate the path forward for our nation.

To that extent, it is admirable that NAACAM invests a lot of resources in improving the localisation, transformation, and supplier development landscape in South Africa. 

This comes with the appreciation that the automotive industry holds significant potential for shared prosperity through targeted industrial development.

This sector is a success story of industrial policy and contributes significantly to the GDP and employment. The automotive sector in South Africa is one of the country’s most strategically important and internationally linked industries, accounting for 22.6% of manufacturing output and 5.2% of the country’s GDP.

Of great significance in our fight to increase employment is the automotive sector, which employs approximately 115,000 people in total. The largest share of these employees, over 80,000, work in the component sector.

The industry is export-oriented, globally competitive, and plays a vital role in regional and national industrial development. In 2024, the component sector exported R62.5 billion of components.

We must never allow the loss of these gains because of external and internal pressures. I say this with concern because the employment levels in the sector have been under strain due to ongoing economic pressures and reduced production volumes.

I have also learnt that over the past two years, NAACAM has recorded twelve company closures, impacting over 4,000 individuals. What is of more concern are the recently released figures by Statistics South Africa showing that the country’s unemployment rate has climbed to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, an increase from 32.9% in the previous quarter.

This latest figure is a clear indication that the nation’s unemployment crisis remains an urgent concern. We need to do more to combat unemployment, which might include improving education and skills to match labour market demands, promoting entrepreneurship and small enterprises, and investing in public employment programs to generate jobs.

The government is committed to working with various sectors to create employment and improve the living conditions of our people. The government supports the automotive industry through a combination of investment incentives, improved policy frameworks, and infrastructure development.

Key initiatives include the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS), which offers non-taxable cash grants to encourage investment in new models and components. 

Additionally, the government supports local production through tariffs and incentives, aiming to boost employment and strengthen the automotive value chain.

The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) also plays a crucial role in skills development, enterprise development, and managing incentive programmes. This sector is also guided by the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035, which aims to build a globally competitive and transformed industry.

The Automotive Masterplan 2035 goals include growing vehicle production to 1% of global output (1.4 million vehicles), increasing local content to 60%, doubling employment to 224,000 employees, and deepening transformation and value addition, with 25% Black-owned involvement at the Tier 2 and Tier 3 component manufacturer level.

The Automotive Production Development Programme Phase 2 is the policy programme intended to support and enable the realisation of the objectives of the Masterplan.

As the government, we recognise the industry’s significant role and see it as the backbone of our economic growth, promoting industrial development and encouraging innovation.

I am of the view that by increasing investment in research and development, we can use the power of technology to improve efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that our products and services stay competitive in the global market.

Moreover, by nurturing a culture of collaboration and partnership among manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

This sector, not just in South Africa but in Africa as a whole, has emerged as a critical area of investment, providing substantial prospects for growth and development.

In this context, we must not overlook the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement on economic integration and industrialisation, which is projected to draw additional international investment into the African automotive industry.

Moreover, the Free Trade Agreement has the potential to significantly boost the automotive industry across the continent by reducing trade barriers, fostering regional value chains, and harmonising regulations. This could lead to increased production, lower costs for consumers, and a more competitive market.

The implementation of this Agreement has the potential to lessen African countries’ dependency on developing countries for automotive components and completed vehicles by promoting regional value chains and increasing local production.

Creating a single continental market for goods and services could potentially lead to increased trade, investment, and job creation within Africa.

However, this does not suggest that we do not need other nations as trading partners. We believe in diversifying our investments and engaging in trade with several partners. It is for this reason that the Cabinet has adopted a new trade proposal to the United States that aims not just to settle the 30 per cent tariff but also has ramifications for over 130 other trading partners who may reroute products into the South African market. As the Cabinet, we are committed to protecting the economic interests of our country and are forging ahead toward strengthening our economy, therefore, dealing with the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

I must highlight that there will be repercussions felt throughout the entire value chain if we do not reach an amicable trade agreement with the White House.

It is probable that South African suppliers who provide support to domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that export automobiles or integrated systems to the United States would experience volume cutbacks. This will put pressure on production planning, employment decisions, and investment choices.

South African automobiles and components would see a direct rise in the landed cost in the US market. Because of this, they would be unable to compete with goods from nations that have continued preferential or zero-duty access, such as those in the USMCA (United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement). 

Overall, the imposed tariffs threaten to disrupt well-established trade flows and weaken the global competitiveness of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem. 

However, South Africa remains resilient and steadfast in its efforts to grow and protect our economy. We will continue engaging with the USA to identify practical solutions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite challenging global and domestic economic circumstances, the automotive component sector continues to reaffirm its commitment to South Africa, attracting significant investment and driving innovation, thereby strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities and global competitiveness.

The recent investments in the Eastern Cape by Shatterprufe, a part of PG Group, and Ebor Automotive Systems demonstrate that the South African market is resilient and capable of overcoming any setback.

Ebor Automotive Systems is a locally owned, Tier 1 producer of plastic injection-moulded components and assemblies, with facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay and East London. Ebor is a B-BBEE Level 4 company with an Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP) benefiting over 200 employees.

Compatriots, some of the future opportunities in this sector that we must take advantage of are localisation and transformation.

On localisation – We can increase localisation with existing and potential new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) entrants to market, achieving a 5% growth in SA localisation rate, potentially resulting in R30bn in new local procurement. 

Moreover, research has indicated that South Africa is well positioned to localise high-value New Energy Vehicle (NEV) components, including fuel cells, thermal management systems, e-axle and high-voltage battery mineral beneficiation and assembly.

Regarding transformation, we can intensify the sector’s potential to create at least 130 new Black industrialists in component manufacturing as part of the Automotive Masterplan 2035 goals.

At the heart of our vision for the automotive industry is a commitment to shared prosperity. We believe that sustainable development must benefit all members of society, empowering individuals and communities to thrive and succeed.

Our country boasts a rich history of automotive innovation and a skilled workforce that is capable of competing on a global scale. 

As we look towards the future, we must capitalise on this potential to drive economic growth and create opportunities for all South Africans.

Through creating inclusive business models and fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, we can ensure that the benefits of industrial growth are shared equitably among all South Africans.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and collective vision for a brighter future. 

Together, we can build a future where prosperity is shared by all, leaving behind a legacy of growth and opportunity for generations to come.

I Thank You.

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Western Cape Mobility reports a rise in road fatalities

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Mobility Department is deeply concerned about a significant rise in road fatalities during the first 11 days of August 2025. 

In this period, the provincial department said 52 people have lost their lives, compared to 28 fatalities in the same timeframe last year.

According to the department, fatalities have occurred across urban and rural areas. 

There were 37 deaths on municipal roads, with 15 more recorded on provincial routes. Meanwhile, the pedestrians remain the most vulnerable, with 28 fatalities. 

In addition, the department said passenger and driver deaths have also risen sharply, and motorcycle-related fatalities on municipal roads have been reported for the first time this year.

“The main causes are speeding, alcohol use, unsafe pedestrian crossings, and poor visibility at night. These behaviours put all road users at risk,” the statement read. 

According to the department, from 1 and 11 August, provincial traffic officers conducted 394 integrated checkpoints and roadblocks on high-risk routes. 

They stopped and inspected 60 226 vehicles, which included 3 770 public transport vehicles, and arrested 195 drivers for driving under the influence, with one driver registering a blood alcohol level nearly six times the legal limit.

During this period, the team also recorded a total of 15 824 offences, which included speeding, reckless driving, cellphone use while driving, and seatbelt violations. 

In addition, they discontinued 341 vehicles from use and impounded 46 due to roadworthy issues.

“Fifty-two lives lost in eleven days – that’s 52 families shattered. These aren’t numbers, they’re our neighbours, friends, and loved ones. I’m asking every driver, passenger, and pedestrian – slow down, stay sober, and make the choices that keep us all alive. Let’s make sure no more families must get that devastating call,” Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku. 

The department has since urged drivers to slow down, stay alert, and obey traffic laws, and pedestrians to cross roads only at safe points, stay visible at night, and avoid alcohol near traffic. 

The province is also encouraging all road users to avoid walking on freeways and use safe and legal routes. 

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every choice matters, and every life is precious.” – SAnews.gov.za

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DIRCO clarifies remarks on foreign policy after SANDF Chief’s Iran visit

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has clarified that any statements made by individuals or departments that are not responsible for foreign policy should not be considered the official stance of the South African Government.

This is after media reports have surfaced regarding comments made by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, during a visit to Iran. 

According to these reports, Maphwanya expressed his solidarity with Iran following a meeting with the country’s army Commander in Tehran on Tuesday.

Press TV reported that the Iranian commander emphasised that both sides share common anti-colonial, anti-arrogant, and justice-driven principles. 

He highlighted that the African nation has been given a “prioritised” position in the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy.

The publication reported that Maphwanya relayed greetings from South Africa’s President and Defence Minister. 

The General then affirmed that “the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran share common goals and will always support the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.“

However, the department has since distanced itself from these remarks and clarified that the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy is the responsibility of the Presidency, with support from DIRCO.

“Consequently, any statements made by an individual, or a department other than those responsible for foreign policy, should not be misinterpreted as the official position of the South African Government. The remarks attributed to General Maphwanya, therefore, do not represent the government’s official foreign policy stance.” 

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, will seek further clarification, according to the department. – SAnews.gov.za

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Stats for a better life: More than just numbers

Source: Government of South Africa

By Morapedi Sibeko

As per Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), population trends: “are never just numbers; they reflect the shifting values, aspirations, and challenges of society at a given moment.”

South Africa’s population data for 2025 tells an intriguing story about how our families are changing. According to Stats SA, the country’s total fertility rate has dropped from an average of 2.78 children per woman in 2008 to just 2.21 in 2025. In plain terms, if current patterns are anything to go by, today’s average South African woman will have just over two children in her lifetime.

The change has been  gradual.

Around 2016, official birth registration records show a notable decline in births.  

The numbers have been declining since 2020. It is a part of a global trend, not limited to South Africa, as several nations record fewer births annually.

The consistent decline in birth rates is no coincidence.  It is a reflection of the economic and social realities shaping people’s choices.

Bringing up a child is a significant financial commitment. Between the cost of healthcare, education, housing, and even the price of nappies, the lifetime expense of parenting can be daunting.

The primary cause of declining birth rates worldwide, according to the UN Population Fund’s State of World Population report, is economic obstacles. 

It warns that an increasing number of people are being denied the freedom to start families because of high living costs, persistent gender inequality, and uncertainty about the future.

This is where constitutional rights matter, says Jacques van Zuydam, who leads the Population and Development Directorate.

South Africa’s Constitution protects women’s reproductive rights, meaning fertility trends should be the outcome of unhindered individual choices by the country’s roughly 30 million women, choices about whether to have children, when to have them, and how many to have.

“If the result of these choices adds up to a decline in the total birth rate, society has to adjust itself thereto.

Social and cultural shifts are also part of the picture.  The typical marriage age is currently in the early 30s in the majority of countries, including South Africa, according to Our World in Data. More people are putting off getting married and starting a family to concentrate on their education and professions.

With better access to family planning and healthcare, women have more control over whether and when they become mothers.

Even as these changes have an impact on demographics, they also represent personal preference and the growth of options for women, something Van Zuydam says should be embraced as part of social progress.

And then there’s the myth that refuses to retire, the idea that the Child Support Grant (CSG) encourages women to have children. The evidence tells a very different story. Research such as Common Concerns and Misconceptions: What Does the Evidence Say? shows that the grant has improved women’s financial independence and decision-making power, but there is no sign it drives higher birth rates.

In fact, with birth rates declining, it’s clear that social grants cannot be the reason women fall pregnant. Supporting this, The Role of Social Grants in Economically Enabling South African Women notes that pregnancies among young women have not been increasing over the past two decades, even as the grant expanded.

Van Zuydam also highlights that lower fertility rates present opportunities: the chance to reap the so-called demographic dividend, if the right investments are made into children and youth; the potential to lower unemployment. If young people are equipped with the skills to join the mainstream economy; and rapid technological advancement, particularly in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. More economic opportunities for women, he says, should also accelerate gender equality and equity.

This tendency has complicated repercussions. Although fewer births would relieve some of the strain on the healthcare and education systems, they also bring up issues with economic growth, the future workforce, and how to care for an aging population.

These are concerns for today, not tomorrow, and they necessitate new approaches to planning, policy, and community support.

South Africa’s declining birth rate should be seen less as a crisis and more as a reflection of changing priorities, economic realities, and an evolving approach to family life.

The real challenge and opportunity is in how we adapt to these changes while ensuring that people have the genuine freedom to decide the size and timing of their families.

*Morapedi Sibeko is Acting Director: Content Development and Events management at the Department of Social Development

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Home Affairs collaborates with banks to expand services

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank have launched a new partnership that will enable South Africans to apply for their smart card IDs and passports at the banks and at a later state on mobile applications.

FNB will be taking a phased approach to the rollout of these services. The bank is committing to rolling out 15 branches immediately, 240 branches over the next year, and more announcements to follow as the project plan unfolds.

Similarly, Standard Bank will be adopting a phased approach, with 20 branches going live this year and 300 over the next year with more to come by 2027. 

Both banks will avail these services to all South Africans, including those who are not clients.

This partnership was launched on Wednesday. 

“I am delighted that FNB and Standard Bank are the latest banks to partner with Home Affairs to expand the offering of our services across the entire country. 

“This new digital partnership model that harnesses the power of technology, will dramatically increase Home Affairs’ footprint and thereby bring us closer than ever before to delivering our vision of Home Affairs at home. 

“I am grateful to them for committing to demonstrate how we can resolve long-standing problems when we work together,” Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said.

CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda, welcomed the partnership with the department that spans over a decade. 

“We have always believed that financial inclusion is directly linked to safe and secure documentation, and we are delighted to take our partnership with the DHA to the next level, by scaling our solution with more branches and reissuing via our App. 

“We commend the Minister and his department for the vision they have shown and look forward to continuing to serve South Africans with professionalism and simplicity,” Silinda said.

Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane, the bank is proud to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that will save clients time and make it easier to access essential identity services. – SAnews.gov.za

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Health Minister takes NHI roadshow to KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is in KwaZulu-Natal today, to engage with stakeholders in the faith-based sector regarding the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. 

The Department of Health stated that this session in Melmoth forms part of a nationwide roadshow focused on health reform. 

The goal is to help South Africans better understand how this legislative reform will address the healthcare needs of all citizens, particularly those who rely exclusively on the underfunded and overburdened public health system.

Since the NHI was enacted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024, numerous stakeholders from various sectors of society, including traditional leaders, trade unions, religious organisations, civil society groups, and youth organisations, have reached out to the Ministry of Health to request exclusive engagement regarding the NHI Act.

“The NHI Act is not just a policy but a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African,” the advisory read. 

The country is actively working towards achieving universal health coverage through the NHI system. 

The NHI is intended to provide financial protection for everyone, ensuring that access to quality healthcare does not depend on an individual’s ability to pay. 

Motsoaledi explained that it will also help to use resources efficiently by pooling funds and strategically purchasing services. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng government to visit Maponya Mall

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will on Thursday visit Maponya Mall in Soweto as part of ongoing efforts to address tensions within the public transport sector, engage directly with affected stakeholders, and assess the situation on the ground.

The visit follows a violent incident, allegedly involving taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which resulted in one fatality and left two others injured on Wednesday at the mall.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009, paving the way for e-hailing services operators to apply for operating licences like any other public transport operator.

The National Land Transport Act was brought to the President’s desk in 2020 but was sent back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The revised Bill, amongst others, seeks to amend the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to insert certain definitions and amend others and provide for non-motorised and accessible transport.

The bill amends the National Land Transport Act of 2009 to bring it up to date with developments since the implementation and simplifies various provisions or solves problems that have arisen since the implementation; and makes provisions for non-motorized and accessible transport. 

It further expands the powers of the Minister to make regulations and introduce safety measures. –SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa needs higher investment in water

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says South Africa needs at least R1 trillion in water sector investment to address growing challenges linked to climate change and population growth. 

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Mahlobo warned that the world is falling behind in meeting the water and sanitation targets set for 2030.

Mahlobo said the world is lagging – with at least 2.2 billion people globally not having access to safe drinking water, and more than 3.6 billion people not having access to decent sanitation.

“For us to achieve these numbers, we have to scale up our investment five time more in terms of investment around access to clean water, and six times more around access to decent sanitation. But equally we are having challenges of climate change [as] more than 2.4 billion people are living in water stressed countries, and Africa, especially South Africa, are the most in need,” Mahlobo said.

“In the world, the backlog is estimated at US$7 trillion. In our continent, we are looking at about a US$30 billion gap per annum, [and] in our own country, we are looking at R1 trillion that we need to be investing in water,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo noted that while public investment remains critical, national budgets alone cannot meet demand.

“The fiscus in most African countries is not adequate to meet the new demand that is driven by economic and population growth.”

He emphasised the importance of private sector participation and support from development finance institutions.

While the banking institutions, including African Bank, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and theWorld Bank have already started some work, Mahlobo stressed the need to scale up. 

He said South Africa will by the end of the year, share with communities what government is doing in terms of public investment. He said the richest countries and Heads of State and Government, will also meet to discuss the issue of water and sanitation. 

Mahlobo underscored that investment in water is fundamental to national prosperity, noting that “when there are problems of no access to water, you will have problems of many wars that could be created.”

“If there is no decent sanitation in the 21st century, you will have water borne diseases, [and] many people are going to perish on issues that we should have attended to. We cannot afford not to invest in water and sanitation because it is the right thing to do,” Mahlobo told SAnews.

He added that advances in scientific, technological, and engineering provide the tools needed to address these challenges, but political will and financing must align.

The three-day summit which kicks off on Tuesday, saw the Heads of State and Government committing to create an enabling environment for enhancing investment in water and sanitation.

The commitments align with national development plans, Sustainable Development Goal 6, and climate resilience priorities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Botswana calls for risk management to secure long-term water availability

Source: Government of South Africa

President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has emphasised the need to adopt a risk management approach in water planning and management to ensure long-term water availability and for better economic growth.

Speaking on Botswana’s vulnerability to climate change, President Boko noted that the country is among four Southern African nations projected to become “highly water stressed by 2040” under a “business-as-usual” scenario.

He stressed that adaptation to climate change will require tailor-made interventions that are thoughtfully integrated into existing development processes and activities.

He said the Government of Botswana is making deliberate efforts to change the trajectory of its developments by embracing investment by private investors and allowing them to do what they know best.

President Boko made the remarks when he was addressing the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

He underscored that improving efficiency in water supply and sanitation services delivery will require significant infrastructure investment, including conveyance pipelines, network rehabilitation and expansion of reticulation network, construction of sewer network and service delivery throughout the whole onsite sanitation service chain.

“All these are capital intensive. It is, therefore imperative to efficiently manage the available water sources to effectively influence attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 Target, as enshrined in our national aspirations, Botswana Vision 2036 and Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP),” President Boko said.

President Boko said the BETP represents a new chapter for Botswana, which aims to ensure that innovation, enterprise, and local ambition fuel the country’s journey to a new future of prosperity.

According to the President, through this, the country will build a political and economic posture which will open a door to those who are ready to build with the government.

“It is a call to action; for thinkers, investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions with bold ideas that can spark real economic progress. The BETP will in a nutshell engage projects or ideas that unlock new engines of growth across the country; bring fresh thinking to old challenges; create jobs and expand opportunities for Botswana; position Botswana competitively in the region and globally and support inclusive and sustainable development, not just growth,” the President said.

Every drop counts

Due to the arid to semi-arid climatic conditions in most parts of the country with inadequate water supply sources and services, the President said Botswana is a water scarce country and knows the sting of scarcity.

He said water shortage has in recent years persisted as a result of growing demand, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

“Climate variability and uncertainty brings about extreme events such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, challenging the conventional way of food production by our people and potable water supply which relies mostly on annual rainfall.

“Our groundwater resources have also been significantly impacted by climate change variables. The sparse population distribution of the country creates major engineering and financial challenges pertaining to water infrastructure development,” President Boko said.

Ensuring clean water for all 

President Boko reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the United Nation’s International Decade of Action on “Water for sustainable development.”

“Efforts have to be made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. It is, therefore, the responsibility of government to ensure that every designated settlement is provided with potable water, irrespective of proximity to the nearest water source. Water is a basic right, and without water there is no life.

“Many settlements in Botswana are located where there is either little or no water source. Thus, the need to reticulate, store and distribute clean water to the settlements,” President Boko said. – SAnews.gov.za

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King Mswati calls for collective action to address Africa’s water challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

His Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini, has called for an urgent need for collective action to address persistent water challenges affecting most  countries on the African continent.

King Mswati made the call at the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The King stressed that water is central to Eswatini’s national development goals, noting that it fuels the country’s agriculture sector, which accounts for more than 90% of national water use, drives industrial growth, safeguards public health, and strengthens defences against climate vulnerability.

However, like many African nations, he said Eswatini faces significant challenges from aging infrastructure, increasing water needs, and the impacts of climate change.

He said the country’s major rivers, shared with neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique, highlight that “water security transcends borders” and requires regional cooperation, integrated planning, and bold investment in sustainable infrastructure.

“This is why Eswatini wholeheartedly endorses the continental Africa water investment Programme (AIP). The AIP is not merely a framework – it is a transformation to mobilise the estimated US$30 billion needed annually to close Africa’ water investment gap.

“It aligns seamlessly with our national development plan, climate adaptation priorities, and the country’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – ‘Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 20230.’ Moreover, it advances Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, envisioning a prosperous and united continent,” King Mswati said.

Major projects underway

The King highlighted national water projects, which are already in progress, and these include the Lubovane and Luphohlo Dams, which provide irrigation and clean water to the communities.

He said Eswatini is also engaging with financial institutions to construct the Mpakeni Dam, which is expected to be one of the largest in the country to support agriculture and water supply.

With support from the African Union, the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, and the Green Climate Fund, the King said Eswatini is currently developing the Eswatini Water Investment Programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2035.

“This programme will serve as a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects. We are pleased to highlight two bankable initiatives: the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the Raising of the Hawane Dam, and the estimated funding required is about US$115 million.

“Alongside our national potable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, and the preliminary investment required for it, is estimated to be at US$2 billion. The project is designed to enhance access to clean water, improve sanitation, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock economic opportunities across multiple sectors,” the King said.

Regional cooperation and achievements

King Mswati underscored the importance of collaboration with South Africa and Mozambique in managing shared water resources.

Joint projects include the Maguga and Driekoppies Dams with South Africa, which have significantly boosted agriculture, and a cross-border initiative with Mozambique to ensure equitable use of the Incomati and Maputo rivers.

Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fund, he said Eswatini has also commenced the Lomahasha–Namaacha Project, which will provide clean water to communities in both Eswatini and Mozambique.

“Eswatini has also been developing a number of dam water supply projects with the assistance of our development partners to improve water security. Some of these projects are at a bankable stage, having completed the technical feasibility studies,” the King highlighted.

Call to development partners

The King urged development partners, including financial institutions, private investors, and multilateral organisations to join Eswatini in advancing the water security ambitions.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging support for the Africa Water Investment Scorecard to enhance performance tracking and ensure “our collective efforts deliver measurable results.” –

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with King Mswati on the sidelines of the 2025 AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, where the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong bonds between the two countries, including growing political and trade ties. –SAnews.gov.za