GQEBERHA – Collaborations will go a long way towards solving the country’s water challenges – this is a message that came out of the 8th annual Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Young Water Professionals Conference, a three-day programme that took place from 25th–27th November at the Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, where emerging leaders, researchers, practitioners, and innovators who are shaping the future of South Africa’s water sector came together under one roof.
Under this year’s theme: “From Silos to Synergy – Sustainable and Collaborative Water Management Solutions,” attendees enjoyed a strong technical programme, sector-wide engagement, and opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional growth.
Department of Water and Sanitation Deputy Director-General of Corporate Support Services Nthabiseng Fundakubi encouraged collaborations across generations in the sector and highlighted opportunities available for youth development.
Quoting Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s speech during the Engineering Conference, Fundakubi told the gathering that engineering is the backbone of any society and plays a role in shaping our work. “Engineering drives technological advancement, infrastructure development, and economic progress of the country,” she said, urging players in the sector to be game changers and to champion transformation as well as to empower professionals who will be fit for purpose.
The delegates explored emerging technologies that support smarter, data-driven solutions and discussed practical ways to design water systems that can withstand climate pressures whilst also leveraging innovations such as digital monitoring, analytics, and smart infrastructure.
The flagship event is a key empowerment platform designed to develop, inspire, and elevate young professionals working in the water sector to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and explore solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. They were presented with opportunities to engage with experts and decision-makers, build networks, and establish mentorship relationships.
During the closing session, Amatola Water’s Quality Officer Noluvuko Ngalonkulu emphasised the importance of soft skills development as a crucial part of strong leadership.
“The conference showed that many of the solutions to our water challenges lie in stronger collaboration with our regional universities and the expertise they offer. Innovations like remote sensing and smart metering could immediately improve our operations, though addressing illegal connections remains a critical gap.”
Ngalonkulu affirmed that young professionals are ready and capable, but emphasised the need for a decisive mindset shift.
