Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has given the green light to a proposal allowing the country’s water treatment plant in Beitbridge, a border town, to sell water to Musina in Limpopo, South Africa. Musina has faced recurring water supply challenges, and the agreement aims to address these issues through the supply of treated water from Zimbabwe.
The towns of Beitbridge and Musina are situated on either side of the South Africa-Zimbabwe land border and host one of Africa’s busiest ports of entry, serving as a key gateway from South Africa to the broader African continent.
According to a statement presented by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting, Dr Jenfan Muswere, during a post-Cabinet press briefing, the agreement allows for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Works in Zimbabwe to Musina town in South Africa. The amendment to the agreement was presented by the Acting Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Professor Paul Mavima, and received approval from the Cabinet.
Muswere explained that the agreement establishes terms and conditions for the transfer of treated water and provides a framework for such arrangements among designated competent authorities. The anticipated benefits include enhanced cooperation and governance of water resources, as well as improved livelihoods for Zimbabweans due to the generation of foreign currency.
The Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe quoted Muswere, stating that the deal strengthens the friendly ties between the two neighboring countries within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). The report also mentioned a twinning arrangement between Musina and Beitbridge, signed a few months ago, facilitating collaboration on various economic development initiatives on both sides of the border.

This move aligns with broader regional efforts to address water and energy security concerns. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a collaborative venture between South Africa and Lesotho, aimed at bolstering water and energy security for both nations. The project stems from a longstanding treaty between the two governments to supply water to the Vaal River System, ensuring water security for multiple South African provinces.