By: Dr Lester Goldman, CEO of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA)
Water is the lifeblood of our communities, industries, and ecosystems. As a water sector professional, your role is vital, not just in delivering clean, safe water but in safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainability. Regulation 3630, part of the National Water Act, is a significant step forward in professionalising the industry. It recognises the expertise of process controllers, establishes clear standards, and creates pathways for career development while ensuring accountability in a field that affects millions of lives daily.
The water sector is not just a job, it’s a calling. It requires passion, dedication, and a commitment to learning and growing in an ever-evolving environment.
Why Regulation 3630 matters
For far too long, process controllers have been undervalued despite their critical contributions to managing water and wastewater treatment plants. Regulation 3630 changes that. It ensures that these professionals receive formal recognition through registration, giving them the same credibility afforded to engineers and scientists in the sector.
The benefits include:
- Professional Recognition – Establishing process controllers as qualified professionals with a structured career path.
- Improved Standards – Raising the bar for operational efficiency and public safety.
- Accountability and Compliance – Ensuring that every plant is overseen by a registered professional process controller.
- New Opportunities – Creating avenues for career growth and skill development.
Most importantly, this regulation protects communities by ensuring that water treatment professionals have the skills, knowledge, and competency required to manage the nation’s water resources effectively.
Challenges and risks
While the regulation is a step in the right direction, implementing it across South Africa comes with challenges:
- Capacity Constraints – Many municipalities may struggle to meet the requirements due to a shortage of qualified professionals.
- Skills Development – Existing process controllers may need additional training or certification to comply.
- Resistance to Change – There may be hesitation from institutions unaccustomed to formal registration requirements.
Failure to address these challenges could result in non-compliance, putting water security and service delivery at risk.
Practical solutions
To ensure successful implementation, industry stakeholders must be proactive:
- Training and Development – Organisations like the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) must continue rolling out training programmes to upskill professionals.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Experienced process controllers should be able to register based on their expertise, ensuring those who have worked in the field for years are not left behind.
- Government and Industry Collaboration – Municipalities must receive support to ensure compliance, with industry bodies stepping in to guide and assist where necessary.
Nothing comes easy, but everything is possible. With the right support structures, training, and commitment from professionals, the implementation of Regulation 3630 can strengthen the sector and open doors to new opportunities.
WISA’s role in professionalising the sector
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) is instrumental in this transition. As the custodian of the Professional Process Controller designation, WISA ensures that professionals receive the recognition they deserve through structured training, advocacy, and certification. Their work is crucial in ensuring that Regulation 3630 is not just a policy on paper but an active force in shaping the future of the sector.
The road ahead
Change can be daunting, but it also brings opportunity. Regulation 3630 is not just about compliance—it’s about elevating careers, strengthening standards, and ensuring that water professionals are given the respect, growth opportunities, and recognition they deserve.
If you’re working in the water sector, this is your chance to invest in your future, gain the necessary qualifications, and stand as a leader in an industry that affects the daily lives of millions. By embracing continuous professional development, we move closer to a South Africa where water services are dependable, sustainable, and accessible to all.
It’s time to rise to the challenge, take pride in our expertise, and build a water sector that is equipped for the future. Our communities depend on it.
