Pretoria: Dr Risimati Mathye, Deputy Director-General responsible for Water Services Management at the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), will spearhead the South African water sector delegation to World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, from 23 to 27 August. The delegation will participate in high-level panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions alongside international water leaders, policymakers, and sector experts.

According to South African Government News Agency, the event, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), will revolve around the theme 'Water for People and Progress'. This theme underscores the importance of equitable water security, sanitation, and climate resilience. World Water Week is an annual global forum addressing water issues and promoting cooperation across sectors and national boundaries.

The conference will explore a wide array of topics, including food security, health, agriculture, technology, biodiversity, and the climate crisis. It serves as a platform for policymakers and institutions to expedite progress in international processes related to water, climate, and sustainable development.

The department mentioned that Mathye is expected to emphasize South Africa's efforts, priorities, and experiences in enhancing water security, improving sanitation services, and building resilience to climate change. He will advocate for collaboration, innovation, and investment in addressing shared water challenges.

Mathye stated, "Water is essential to health, dignity, education, livelihoods, and inclusive development. Reliable access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in informal settlements, rural communities, and peri-urban areas, helps reduce disease, supports education, and strengthens the livelihoods of vulnerable communities." He further asserted that achieving water security in South Africa means ensuring water and sanitation services that are reliable, safe, accessible, and affordable, while addressing the inequalities affecting vulnerable communities.

South Africa's participation in the conference will provide an opportunity to showcase the country's water reforms, innovations, and management approaches. It will also allow South Africa to learn from global experiences and strengthen partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive water solutions.

The department considers events like World Water Week vital for fostering cooperation and collective action toward a water-secure future, recognizing that water issues transcend borders and require cross-sector collaboration.