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Friday, 13th March, 2026

Eswatini and South Africa Sign Revised Komati Basin Water Authority Treaty

KOBWA stakeholders with Eswatini and South African Ministers following the signing of the Revised Treaty at Maguga Lodge.

Maguga Lodge, Eswatini – 13 March 2026

In a landmark step toward strengthening regional water security and cooperation, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa have signed the Revised Treaty of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA).

The agreement was formally endorsed by HRH Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, Eswatini’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, and Ms. Pemmy Majodina, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, during a ceremony held at Maguga Lodge.

Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation South Africa, Pemmy Majodina making her remarks during the Resvised Treaty signing ceremony.

A New Chapter in Transboundary Cooperation

The revised Treaty updates the framework first established in 1992, ensuring that both nations can jointly manage and develop the Komati River Basin. Originally mandated to oversee the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Maguga Dam (Eswatini) and Driekoppies Dam (South Africa), the Komati Basin Water Authority will now assume an expanded role. This includes future dam projects within the Komati Basin, revenue-generating initiatives to ensure financial sustainability and reduce reliance on Member States and enhanced river flow monitoring, ensuring compliance with statutory water flow obligations to Mozambique.The signing also strengthens bilateral relations between Eswatini and South Africa, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable water governance.

Honourable Minister for Natural Resources HRH Prince Lokhokhela making his remarks during the Revised Treaty signing ceremony.

Regional Significance

The Treaty reflects a broader commitment to transboundary water cooperation in Southern Africa, where rivers often cross national borders. By revising the agreement, Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed their dedication to joint resource management and regional unity.

Speaking at the event, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela described the Treaty as “a milestone in our shared journey of sustainable development and regional unity.” Minister Majodina added that the agreement “ensures that future generations will benefit from the responsible stewardship of our shared waters.”

Honourable Minister for Natural Resources HRH Prince Lokhokhela and Honourable Minister of Water and Pemmy Majodina shaking hands after signing the Treaty.

Looking Ahead

The revised Treaty paves the way for new infrastructure projects in the Komati Basin, modernization of existing dams to improve efficiency and safety, greater resilience against droughts and floods and a stronger institutional role for KOBWA, ensuring technical expertise and joint decision-making remain central to water governance.