Maseru: South Africa's Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, has called for decisive and intensified investment in the water sector to secure Southern Africa's future in the face of climate change and growing water demands. Addressing the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilient Investment Conference in Maseru, Lesotho, Seitlholo underscored the urgent need for resilient water infrastructure and strengthened cross-border cooperation, describing them as critical to the region's economic development, environmental sustainability, and long-term water security. According to Nam News Network, Seitlholo emphasized that water is the foundation upon which economies, communities, and ecosystems rest, and in Southern Africa, it also binds countries together across borders. He highlighted the necessity for bold and wise investments to secure this vital resource for the future. He pointed to multiple opportunities for investors, ranging from bulk infrastructure and wastewater treatment to innovative technologies in reuse and smart metering. The Deputy Minister further emphasized the role of public-private partnerships, noting ongoing efforts through the Water Partnership Office in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to accelerate investment. He stressed that investing in water is not just a necessity but a generational imperative, and South Africa's policy reforms, including institutional innovation and partnerships, demonstrate readiness to work with all stakeholders. Seitlholo outlined three strategic pillars of South Africa's water strategy, which include sustainability, technological advancement, and climate adaptation. He highlighted the need for robust risk management to address droughts, floods, and pollution, supported by government funding mechanisms such as the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation. He stressed that communities must be at the heart of water solutions, emphasizing inclusive development through forums supporting youth, women, and civil society engagement. Collaborations with NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector continue to drive innovation and ensure evidence-based planning. In closing, Seitlholo reaffirmed South Africa's unwavering commitment to regional leadership and global engagement in the water sector. He announced that South Africa will host the Africa Water Investment Summit in August, an initiative aimed at unlocking large-scale investment and fostering multi-sector partnerships for water infrastructure development across the continent. As South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency, the Deputy Minister confirmed that water financing will be promoted as a key agenda item, positioning water as a central pillar of economic resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable growth. South Africa stands ready to lead by example, mobilizing political will, catalyzing investment, and fostering cross-border cooperation to build a water- secure future for Africa and beyond. Seitlholo urged that the moment be seized to mobilize the necessary partnerships, political will, and financing to ensure a climate-resilient and water-secure future for the region. The decisions made today, he concluded, must shape a legacy of inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for generations to come.