Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) has welcomed Sindy Mthimkhulu as its new Executive Secretary, effective August 1, 2025.
She brings over 20 years of experience in water governance and transboundary resource management, Mthimkhulu will spearhead the Commission’s work in promoting sustainable and coordinated management of the Incomati and Maputo river basins shared by Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique.
Prior to her appointment, she served as the Founding Chief Executive Officer of the Joint River Basin Authorities (JRBA) Project Board in Eswatini and spent more than 15 years in the Department of Water Affairs.
During her tenure at the JRBA Project Board, she was instrumental in enhancing institutional capacity for Eswatini’s River Basin Authorities and implementing integrated water resources management (IWRM) strategies at both national and regional levels.
She championed critical projects aimed at improving water governance and fostering cooperation across borders, notably under the REMCO initiative, which connects Eswatini, South Africa’s IUCMA, and Mozambique’s ARA-SUL IP.
Speaking at the official announcement, Chief Director for International Water Cooperation in South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation, Duduzile Mthembu, welcomed Ms. Mthimkhulu on behalf of the South African Minister, Deputy Minister, and Director-General. “South Africa is immensely pleased to finally appoint a permanent Executive Secretary. It signals a new phase in advancing the important work of the Commission,” she said.
Mthembu thanked Eswatini for its consistent support to the Commission and reaffirmed South Africa’s confidence in Ms. Mthimkhulu’s ability to implement the five-year strategy, secure financial sustainability, and enhance flood and drought management in line with the Revised SADC Protocol.
Representing the Principal Secretary of Eswatini’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Under Secretary Sicelo Nxumalo emphasized the regional importance of INMACOM, noting its formal establishment in 2021. He acknowledged the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its foundational support through the PRIMA programme and officially congratulated Ms. Mthimkhulu on her appointment.
“We are committed to supporting the Commission and believe the new Executive Secretary will lead INMACOM to fulfil its strategic objectives and grow from strength to strength,” Nxumalo said.
On her remarks Mthimkhulu expressed deep commitment to her new role, stating “To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I have spent my career dedicated to the principles of effective water resources governance and have long admired the work of transboundary commissions. I am ready to lead with diligence, integrity, and transparency.”
SHE OUTLINE HER KEY FOCUS AREAS
.Enhancing Scientific and Technical Collaboration: Strengthening joint monitoring systems and leveraging data-driven decision-making to manage the basins effectively.
.Institutional Capacity Building: Streamlining administrative processes and improving internal coordination.
.Stakeholder Engagement and Visibility: Engaging communities, civil society, and private sector stakeholders across all three countries.
.Securing Sustainable Financing: Pursuing climate finance opportunities, international partnerships, and innovative funding models.
She emphasized that her leadership style will be grounded in servant leadership and collaboration:“I am not just here to manage operations, but to facilitate and lead with a servant’s heart. The Incomati and Maputo basins are vital to our collective well-being.”
ABOUT SINDY MTHIMKHULU
Education
Monash South Africa (2016–2018)
MPhil in Integrated Water Management (IWM), Water Governance
Research: The application of the Water Footprint concept as an adaptation mechanism to cope with water shortages in the sugar industry in Swaziland
University of Zimbabwe (2003–2004)
MSc in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
Covered: Hydrology, Environmental Management, Water Planning, GIS & Database Management, IWRM Project Design, Policy & Institutions, Conflict Resolution.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
.Founding CEO, JRBA Project Board, Eswatini
.Over 15 years in Eswatini’s Department of Water Affairs
.Key contributor to the negotiation and drafting of the Inco-Maputo Agreement
.Champion of inclusive, community-based water governance
.Spearheaded REMCO cross-border cooperation framework
Mthimkhulu is now only the second and youngest woman to hold this executive position within the SADC River Basin Organisations (RBOs), a distinction welcomed by her peers and regional leaders. With her strategic vision, hands-on experience, and passion for equitable resource management, she is expected to lead INMACOM into a transformative new era.
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