South Africa’s Key Water Supplier Seeks Better Treaty Terms

Much of Johannesburg’s water comes from Lesotho’s highlands, where a major dam project could shape the future of supply as aging infrastructure and climate pressures strain the system. Bloomberg’s Jennifer Zabasajja reports.Source: Bloomberg

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By Andre-Pierre Du Plessis

March 27, 2026 at 1:02 PM UTC

Lesotho is seeking to open talks with South Africa over royalties and compensation for a water-sharing deal that accounts for about 10% of its economy.

The nation, encircled by South Africa, sees talks starting in April, Lesotho’s Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko said in an interview. South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on the talks.