Rethabile Pitso
His Majesty King Letsie III’s recognition with the Global Water Changemakers Award has been hailed as a powerful affirmation of Lesotho’s vital contribution to regional stability, diplomacy, and sustainable development through water cooperation.
The prestigious Global Water Changemakers Award, conferred by the Global Water Partnership (GWP) on 13 August during the inaugural African Union- AIP Africa Water Investment Summit held in Cape Town, celebrates His Majesty’s unwavering leadership in championing transboundary water partnerships — an effort that continues to promote peace and prosperity across Southern Africa.
The honour acknowledges Lesotho’s pioneering collaboration with South Africa through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a flagship bilateral initiative that has transformed water into a tool for diplomacy, economic advancement, and regional harmony.
Building on that success, Lesotho has expanded its water-sharing vision through a groundbreaking partnership with Botswana under the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Scheme — a massive project that will see the construction of a 700-kilometre conveyance tunnel transferring water from Lesotho’s Makhaleng River to Botswana.
Experts have long noted that Lesotho’s unique topography — standing over 1000 metres above sea level and holding nearly 3% of the region’s water resources — gives it a strategic advantage. Yet, despite its modest size, Lesotho supplies an astonishing 40% of the water used across the region, sustaining livelihoods, industries and ecosystems far beyond its borders.
During a colourful ceremony held at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru on Friday to celebrate His Majesty’s global recognition, dignitaries described Lesotho as the “Water Tower of Southern Africa”, commending the Kingdom’s spirit of generosity and commitment to sustainable resource management for the benefit of the wider region.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of regional and international dignitaries, including Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, European Union Ambassador to Lesotho Her Excellency Mette Sunnergren, World Bank Representative Palesa Mokorosi, Orange-Senqu River Commission Executive Secretary Comfort Molosiwa, and Botswana’s Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Onneetse Ramogapi, among others.
Their attendance underscored the far-reaching significance of His Majesty’s global recognition — a moment that spotlighted Lesotho’s ability to turn its natural endowment into a force for diplomacy, peace, and economic cooperation.
The Vice Chairman of Global Water Partnership Southern Africa’s Board, Munashe Mvura, described His Majesty as a resounding testament not only to his leadership but also to Lesotho’s enduring commitment to using water as a tool for peace, progress, and regional integration — proving once again that from the mountains of Lesotho, peace and prosperity can indeed flow across borders.
“His Majesty King Letsie III is a visionary monarch whose moral authority and steadfast leadership have advanced peace, cooperation, and sustainable development through #water.
“Today, we honour not only a Head of State but a symbol of hope – one who has championed water as an instrument of unity and shared prosperity,” Mr Mvura said.
Natural Resources Minister, Mohlomi Moleko, paid glowing tribute to His Majesty’s leadership, noting that through his moral authority and stewardship, the LHWP has become globally recognised as a model of peace, sustainability, and regional collaboration.
“Through His Majesty’s steadfast advocacy and guidance, the LHWP stands as a beacon of how shared water resources can unite nations,” Mr Moleko said. “This award affirms what the people of Lesotho and the region have long known — that under His Majesty’s statesmanship and sustained vision, water has become not just a resource, but a catalyst for peace, unity, mutual benefit, development, and regional integration.”
He added that Lesotho’s management of its natural resources had enhanced infrastructure, hydro-power generation, and livelihoods — demonstrating how cooperation and shared management of water can foster regional prosperity.
Mr Moleko further expressed appreciation to Lesotho’s development partners, particularly the European Community (now European Union), whose timely intervention helped safeguard the LHWP’s continuity during the apartheid era, when South Africa’s then-government attempted to oppose its hydropower expansion plans.
However, while celebrating the milestone, Mr Moleko also acknowledged ongoing local challenges, including the delayed compensation of families displaced by water development projects — an issue the government continues to address in partnership with stakeholders.
Representing Botswana’s President Duma Boko, Mr Ramogapi, praised His Majesty for being among the few global leaders to receive the prestigious award.
“The main role of a leader is to inspire — and His Majesty has fulfilled this role with utmost diligence,” Mr Ramogapi said. “His influence has shaped and inspired a water-focused region that values sustainability and collaboration.”
He added that Lesotho’s water sector, guided by His Majesty’s vision, continues to contribute meaningfully to the shared prosperity of Southern African nations.
In his keynote address, His Majesty King Letsie III humbly downplayed his individual role, saying the real credit belonged to those who had worked tirelessly for decades to build, preserve, and advance the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
“I know where this project comes from. I know all of the people who built it, who maintained and preserved it — and I know that I was not one of them,” His Majesty said with humility. “There are many in this room today who spent sleepless nights worrying about the progress of this project. I am merely a conduit through which this recognition is being received.”
His Majesty reflected on the significance of the date of celebration — 24 October — which coincided with the 39th anniversary of the signing of the LHWP Treaty in 1986. That historic agreement, he noted, laid the foundation for one of Africa’s most successful and enduring examples of regional cooperation for mutual benefit.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the South Africa, acknowledging the country’s crucial role in the project’s success.
“This monumental achievement could not have been realised without South Africa’s visionary political leadership, steadfast commitment, and financial investment,” His Majesty said. “From the project’s inception, South Africa’s partnership has embodied true regional solidarity and a shared belief that Africa has the capacity to solve its own economic challenges.”