South African Delegation Spearheaded by Deputy Minister Mahlobo Attends World Water Week in Sweden

In a significant move to enhance global water cooperation and sustainability, the South African Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, is spearheading a delegation to the prestigious World Water Week conference held in Stockholm, Sweden. The event, starting today, convenes experts, policymakers, and innovators worldwide under the banner "Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future."

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced that the theme underscores the importance of water cooperation for peace and security — pivotal in today’s increasingly water-stressed world. Deputy Minister Mahlobo’s active involvement in panel discussions alongside international counterparts is expected to underscore South Africa's commitment to water sustainability. Key deliberation topics include financing ecosystems essential for water security, innovative approaches for transboundary water management, and the imperative of investing in infrastructure that yields socio-economic benefits in Africa.

South Africa's experiences in facing water scarcity and the numerous strategies employed by various government spheres to mitigate severe water challenges in water-stressed communities will be elaborated by Deputy Minister Mahlobo. In a nation where water security is a growing concern, the insights presented are likely to be both informative and illustrative of the country's proactive approach.

Adding a youthful dynamic to the South African delegation, twin sisters aged 15, winners of the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition held in June, will be part of the team. They plan to showcase their innovative water education and awareness application, 'Drop-Drop'. This app, designed to promote the importance of water conservation, represents a push towards involving younger generations in addressing water-use issues at the community level.

Organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the conference serves as an egalitarian platform to promote collaboration, spur innovation, and catalyze action in the water sector. It is a gathering that echoes the urgency of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those aimed at ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

This year's World Water Week offers South Africa a global stage to share its advancements, learn from international best practices, and contribute to the collective pursuit of a water-secure world, where cross-border water cooperation is harnessed as a foundational element for peace and sustainable development.