South Africa and Botswana are poised to sign a landmark agreement to safeguard water quality and combat aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.
The pact, anticipated during the 6th Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Gaborone, underscores deepening scientific collaboration on shared transboundary water resources. Officials say the agreement will enhance ecosystem monitoring, protect biodiversity, and bolster climate resilience across one of Southern Africa’s most vital river systems.
Pemmy Majodina and Onneetse Ramogapi are expected to formalize a Memorandum of Agreement focused on joint management of pollution risks and invasive aquatic species threatening the Upper Limpopo Basin. Scientists warn that invasive species, including non-native fish and aquatic plants, can disrupt river ecosystems by lowering oxygen levels, obstructing water flow, and damaging biodiversity that is crucial for agriculture and human consumption.
This agreement builds on cooperation under the Limpopo Watercourse Commission, which unites Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe in efforts to sustainably manage the Limpopo River system. Environmental researchers increasingly emphasize the need for basin-wide collaboration as climate change intensifies droughts, floods, and water scarcity across Southern Africa.
The Limpopo River Basin sustains nearly 14 million people through farming, mining, industry, domestic water supply, and ecological services. Hydrologists caution that pollution upstream in Botswana and South Africa can severely impact downstream water security and aquatic biodiversity in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, making coordinated scientific monitoring essential.
The Upper Limpopo catchment comprises South Africa’s Crocodile West, Marico, Mokolo, and Mogalakwena river systems, alongside Botswana’s Notwane, Lotsane, Motloutse, Mahalapye, Tswapong, Bonwapitse, and Tuti rivers. Water scientists highlight that these interconnected waterways face increasing pressures from urbanization, agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and the spread of invasive species, challenges intensified by shifting rainfall patterns.
Majodina is also expected to join ministerial discussions on the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer project, a major regional engineering initiative aimed at strengthening long-term water security. The proposed 700-kilometre pipeline from Lesotho’s Makhaleng River could become one of Southern Africa’s largest water infrastructure projects, delivering water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use across Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa, while supporting climate adaptation efforts for the future.