Strengthening Water Cooperation Between South Africa and Eswatini: A New Treaty for the Komati River Basin
South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini are taking significant steps to enhance cooperation in managing shared water resources by revising a treaty that governs the development and utilization of the Komati River Basin.
Signing of the Revised Treaty
On March 13, 2026, at the Maguga Dam in Eswatini, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Eswatini’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, will officially sign the Revised Treaty on the Development and Utilisation of the Water Resources of the Komati Basin. This event is anticipated to not only strengthen bilateral relations but also reinforce the joint custodianship of the transboundary river system.
Objectives of the Revised Treaty
As highlighted by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the signing ceremony will primarily aim to improve water flow monitoring within the Komati Basin. Both nations will also work to ensure adherence to statutory water flow obligations to Mozambique, the downstream country in this shared ecosystem.
Significance of the Agreement
Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa noted that the revised agreement marks a pivotal advancement towards sustainable water management in the region. The treaty is expected to unlock opportunities for Phase Two developments, allowing South Africa and Eswatini, through the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA), to explore future dam projects and revenue-generation initiatives that will benefit both nations and promote financial sustainability.
Historical Context and Initial Developments
Established in 1992 through a treaty between South Africa and Eswatini, KOBWA serves as a bi-national institution with the primary objective of implementing Phase One of the Komati River Basin Development Project. This initial phase involved the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of two crucial dams: Driekoppies Dam in South Africa and Maguga Dam in Eswatini. While Phase One has been completed successfully, the second phase is yet to be fully conceptualized.
Future Infrastructure and Institutional Capacity
The revised treaty not only aims to establish groundwork for future infrastructure developments but also seeks to enhance institutional capacity and ensure financial sustainability within KOBWA.
The Importance of the Komati River Basin
The Komati River Basin is a vital transboundary water system shared among South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique. The basin includes the Mlumati and Komati rivers, which subsequently merge with the Crocodile River.
Water Sharing Agreements
Water-sharing arrangements are a crucial element of the management framework for the basin. For instance, South Africa and Eswatini share water from Maguga Dam on a 60/40 basis, while the Driekoppies Dam is exclusively utilized by South Africa.
Conclusion: Towards Sustainable Water Management
Officials believe that the updated treaty will play a significant role in ensuring sustainable management of the shared water resources, thereby supporting regional cooperation, fostering economic development, and securing long-term water availability in the basin. With these developments, South Africa and Eswatini are positioned to pave the way toward a more resilient and cooperative future in water resource management.
For further details on bilateral agreements and water resource management, you can explore additional resources from the Department of Water and Sanitation and learn more about the Komati Basin Water Authority.
