Cairo: Water resources should be used as a bridge for cooperation rather than a tool of conflict, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has said. Mahlobo, who is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 8th Cairo Water Week, currently underway in Egypt, delivered a message of peace, unity, and collaboration. He joined global water leaders, scientists, and policymakers to explore innovative solutions for climate resilience and water sustainability, in line with the event’s theme: “Innovative Solutions for Climate Resilience and Water Sustainability.”
According to South African Government News Agency, speaking during the plenary session on Cooperation for Sustainable Water Management, Mahlobo emphasized an urgent need to end ongoing conflicts that threaten global and regional stability, saying water must never be used as a weapon of war, but as a source of life, peace, and solidarity among nations. “Water connects us all. It is the lifeblood of humanity and the foundation of peace. Our shared responsibility is to ensure it sustains life, not conflict,” the Deputy Minister said.
Reaffirming South Africa’s role in regional water diplomacy, he highlighted the country’s commitment to cooperative governance, guided by the National Water Act of 1998 and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses, as key frameworks enabling the cooperative management of transboundary rivers, such as the Orange-Senqu and Incomati. “South Africa stands ready to work hand in hand with every African nation to secure our shared water future. No country can thrive in isolation. Our rivers flow across borders, so must our cooperation.”
“The Government of South Africa remains fully committed to deepening partnerships, strengthening basin institutions, and investing in technologies that guarantee water security, peace, and prosperity for all Africans. Together, we can turn every drop of water into a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity,” the Deputy Minister said.
Mahlobo also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and participation in water governance, calling for the greater involvement of women, youth, and local communities in decision-making processes. “The right to water is about equity, dignity, and participation. Women and youth must not only benefit from our policies, [but] they must also help shape them,” he said.
He pointed to South Africa’s initiatives such as the Women in Water Diplomacy Network under the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) and the Department’s Youth Strategy, which continue to lead transformative efforts that empower marginalized groups and build a new generation of water sector leaders.
Looking ahead, Mahlobo expressed optimism that Africa’s shared water resources can serve as a foundation for peace, prosperity, and resilience. He urged global leaders to strengthen transboundary cooperation, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, and expand public-private partnerships to meet the continent’s growing water demand. “Our collective hope is that water becomes not a source of conflict, but a catalyst for unity and progress. Governments must leave no one behind. This is both a moral duty and a developmental imperative,” Mahlobo concluded.
The 8th Cairo Water Week, which began on Sunday, 12 October 2025, continues to serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and cross-border collaboration, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to leading an inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable water agenda for the continent and beyond.