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Thursday, 14th May, 2026

Advancing Sustainable Development in the SADC Region: KOBWA Signs Strate-gic Partnerships with Leading Universities

KOBWA CEO Mr. Trevor Shongwe and UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) has taken a significant step towards advancing sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation by signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading tertiary institutions between April and May 2026. These strategic partnerships underscore KOBWA’s commitment to promoting research, innovation, and capacity building in support of sustainable water resources management across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The agreements were signed with:

1. University of Eswatini (UNESWA) – 17 April 2026
2. University of Mpumalanga – 12 May 2026
3. University of Pretoria – 13 May 2026

KOBWA CEO Mr. Trevor Shongwe and University of Pretoria Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Petersen shake hands following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

These collaborations establish a strong platform for knowledge sharing, research excellence, and skills development, bringing together academic expertise and practical experience to address regional water and environmental challenges.

Strengthening Education, Research, and Capacity Building

Speaking during the signing ceremonies, KOBWA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Trevor Shongwe, highlighted the importance of the partnerships in advancing research and innovation.

“These collaborations will strengthen research in water resources management, hydrology, environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and socio-economic development” he said. Water is life, and its sustainable management is essential for the prosperity of our communities, economies, and ecosystems.

University of Mpumalanga Vice-Chancellor Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa and KOBWA CEO Mr. Trevor Shongwe signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The MoUs will create opportunities for student internships, practical training, graduate development programmes, and collaborative research initiatives. Through these engagements, students and researchers will gain valuable exposure to real-world challenges while contributing to sustainable solutions for the region.

Professor Justice Thwala, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eswatini, noted that the partnership will enhance staff and student development through training, knowledge exchange, and joint research activities focused on water-related disciplines.

Similarly, Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, emphasized the critical role of partnerships in transforming higher education and enabling impactful research that addresses global and regional challenges.

Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Mpumalanga, described the agreement as a landmark collaboration that aligns with the university’s commitment to addressing societal challenges, promoting sustainable water use, supporting food security, and contributing to socio-economic development.

KOBWA and University of Mpumalanga representatives pose for a group photograph following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership focuse

Driving Innovation and Regional Impact

Beyond education and research, the partnerships are expected to foster innovation by supporting joint projects that explore cutting-edge solutions in climate resilience, water resource management, environmental sustainability, and community development.

These collaborative efforts will further strengthen KOBWA’s position as a centre of excellence in transboundary water management and a catalyst for regional knowledge generation and thought leadership. Reflecting on the significance of the agreements, Mr. Shongwe remarked “this partnership is not merely a document, but a commitment to action.”

Shared Objectives

Through these strategic partnerships, KOBWA and its partner institutions aim to:

1. Strengthen institutional and human capacity development;
2. Advance research and innovation in water resources management and climate resilience;
3. Promote knowledge exchange and collaborative learning;
4. Support sustainable socio-economic development; and
5. Contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals across Eswatini and the broader SADC region.

Looking Ahead

The signing of these MoUs marks the beginning of a new chapter in collaborative action and regional development. By combining academic excellence with practical expertise, KOBWA and its university partners are laying the foundation for innovative solutions, resilient communities, and a sustainable future for generations to come.