by WISA | Oct 1, 2021 | General
COVID-19 has heightened awareness of the vital role of water and sanitation in dealing with various complex societal challenges including pandemics. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is vital during the current pandemic. Lack of clean water for drinking and proper hygienic practices have become a major concern for our society. Among the many consequences of the ongoing pandemic is its dramatic impact on the education sector. The current evolving global pandemic will undeniably have an impact on how we educate and train our water professionals with possible future implications. Water professionals are facing increasing pressure from society to demonstrate clear and tangible results as we continue to face new and more difficult water and sanitation related challenges. Clearly, we need newer, more powerful approaches to water and sanitation – business as usual is not a viable option. IIE qualifications offered at IIE MSA are designed to meet the challenges of such contemporary water and sanitation related issues. The IIE Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management and IIE Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management are targeted at professionals and graduates who wish to strengthen and deepen their interdisciplinary skills and knowledge in water management. These programmes enable students to appreciate an interdisciplinary approach, which is relatively new and unique, to managing water resources and sanitation services. Programme participants are nurtured to become effective water leaders equipped to understand complex societal challenges and to develop practical solutions for water and sanitation problems. A unique feature of the programmes is a special focus on knowledge integration and application through the use of problem-based learning activities. The programmes integrate knowledge and skills…
by WISA | Sep 21, 2021 | Stakeholders
DIRECTOR-GENERAL: WATER AND SANITATION REF NO: 081021/01 The Department of Water and Sanitation has put out the call for applications to fill the post of the Director-General. For more details on the position and instructions on how to apply please go to: https://wisa.org.za/job/director-general-department-of-water-and-sanitation-ref-no-081021-01/ In brief the candidate must have an undergraduate qualification as well as an appropriate post-graduate qualification (NQF level 8) as recognised by SAQA, in Science and Engineering with preferred specialization in Water Engineering. At least eight (8) to ten (10) years proven experience in a senior managerial and leadership position of which three (3) years must be with any organ of State as defined in the Constitution, Act 108 of 1996. A pre-entry certificate obtained from the National School of Government (NSG) is required prior to the appointment serving before Cabinet. The contract is for a 5 year period with remuneration of R1 978 533 per annum, An all-inclusive remuneration package, consisting of a basic salary (70% of the total remuneration package), State’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund (13% of basic salary) and a flexible portion that may be structured in terms of applicable rules and guidelines. Applications close: 4 October 2021
by WISA | Aug 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
The WISA Board recently reviewed and approved the nominations received for the prestigious WISA Senior Fellow awards. The Senior Fellow Award is an exceptional honour and is not bestowed lightly. It considers the consistency of support that the nominated member has shown WISA over an extended number of years. It is however not restricted to support for WISA, but also takes note of the contributions the member has made to the enhancement of the Water Sector overall, and the esteem that their actions have brought to the stature of the South African water industry. Senior Fellows are considered ambassadors of WISA. Congratulations to the following members, your contributions to WISA and the sector are highly noted, and we are honoured to have you join the esteemed group of Senior Fellows. Dr Shafick Adams, Mark Bannister, Eustathia Bofilatos, Prof Faizal Bux, Dr Kirsty Carden, Prof Evans Chirwa, Cyril Gamede, Prof Hamanth Kasan, Prof Bhekie Mamba, Dr Mandla Msibi, Dr Valerie Naidoo, Dr Mthokozisi Ncube, Dr Werner Rossle, Dewald van Staden, Mohammed Vawda, Abri Vermeulen and Achim Wurster. For more details on our Senior Fellow award winners please download the announcement: https://wisa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/WISA-Senior-Fellows-2021-Announcement.pdf
by WISA | Aug 10, 2021 | General, Stakeholders
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) congratulates Senzo Mchunu on his appointment as the Minister of Water and Sanitation in the South African Government. WISA applauds the separation of the Department of Water and Sanitation from the National Department of Human Settlements and believe it will allow for an increased focus on water and sanitation. We were heartened to hear President Ramaphosa emphasising the importance of water in South Africa, particularly at a time of increased droughts and collapsing water infrastructure. We are fully behind his statement that “water security is fundamental to the lives and health of our people, to the stability of our society and to the growth and sustainability of our economy”. WISA and its water sector partners are ready and willing to support the Minister in his new role. We call on him to consult with the sector and to adopt inclusive decision-making principles as far as possible.
by WISA | Jun 2, 2021 | General
Professor Chris Buckley 5th July 1949 to 27th May 2021 In loving memory of Prof Chris Buckley – a true legend and pioneer who dedicated his life to providing water and sanitation services to the unserved. It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you that our dearest professor, colleague and friend passed away peacefully on the 27th May 2021 after a hard and brave fight against cancer. Chris was a well-known, iconic figure in the international Water and Sanitation field, and touched the lives of so many, both personally and professionally. He was one of those unique people that always managed to inspire everyone with his astonishing general knowledge, and deep understanding of science and engineering. Chris’s compassion, patience and dedication to students and young researchers resulted in the completion of over 100 Masters and PhD graduates, the majority of whom are now well-established professionals in the water and sanitation sector. Each one of them carries a piece of Chris’s passion, determination to solve problems, and his love for life and learning. His charismatic personality, radiant smile and mischievous sense of humour will forever be remembered. Chris’s career in the water and sanitation field began in the 1970s as a post graduate student in Chemical Engineering at the then University of Natal. He joined the Pollution Research Group (PRG) in 1972 – a small group of three or four people that had been formed in 1971. He took over the leadership of the PRG in 1985 and was appointed as the full-time head in 1987. Under his guidance, the PRG has delivered ground breaking research in the water and…
by WISA | May 27, 2021 | Stakeholders
At the height of lockdown in 2020, the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) did something that at first glance, was unusual but on reflection was in keeping with the mandate of an NPO whose 2500 members’ primary concern is the safe and efficient use of water – a substance without which life is not possible. “We all knew about the shortage of personal protective equipment at the beginning of the pandemic. N95 masks were in particular short supply,” WISA CEO Dr Lester Goldman explains. PPE companies were just not geared up to provide their products in the volumes needed, but the 3D printing hobbyist groups had a solution. They could print PPE, but they were not an NPO and were not equipped to manage fund donations. “I’m a 3D printing enthusiast myself,” explains WISA Events Manager Jaco Seaman. “So the Board agreed that WISA could use its platforms and connections to call for donations for filament so that PPE equipment could be printed, and to transparently manage any funds that were donated.” The hobbyists were not in a position to manage the donations, so WISA stepped in and provided its administrative support so that the funds could be disbursed. The result was a reusable 3D printed mask with space for a filter that could be made from a small piece of an N95 mask. The project was a success with thousands of masks made and distributed. And, as it turns out, there was an additional unexpected result. For big organisations such as WISA Patron Member Grundfos, there is a certain inertia between the intent to help, and the go-ahead…
by WISA | Mar 31, 2021 | General
To those WISA members, staff and families who celebrate, we wish you a blessed and peaceful Easter. Travel safely, be Covid safe, and we will see you soon.
by WISA | Mar 8, 2021 | General, Stakeholders, Training
Twenty-seven years into democracy, it can be said of the public service that while several pockets of excellence exist, we have serious challenges in many government departments with regards to skills, competence and professionalism. These were the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa in his March 1, 2021 letter to the people of South Africa. The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) recognises the importance of a highly competent and professional water sector. In response to a request from the National School of Government (NSG) for submissions, WISA has proposed the development of a set of professional designations that should be made mandatory for senior local and national government officials. These would ensure that government had the competences in place to ensure safe, potable water available when needed as well as wastewater treated so that it can be safely discharged into the environment. “We know that government, and small municipalities in particular, often appoint individuals who do not have the necessary competencies to manage water and wastewater treatment works as well as the associated reticulation systems,” said Lester Goldman, WISA CEO. “Often they do not have even minimal technical competence, let alone a broader understanding of the services they are supposed to provide.” Within the water sector, academic knowledge alone is not enough to ensure competency. Services fail, and public health and the environment suffer because those tasked with managing the water system lack not only understanding of technical (engineering, chemistry, and health), financial, legal and administrative issues, but also lack the general management capabilities needed to ensure a safe water system. “In our submission to the NSG, we indicated WISA’s…
by WISA | Feb 25, 2021 | Stakeholders
The EWSETA is looking for a short-term consultant in the water sector to assist with specialised knowledge of the sector and its role-players, to develop a partnership strategy, as well as design knowledge management system. The consultant will join a dynamic team who is looking to make an impact in the sector. For more information on this opportunity please download the RFQ: EWSETA-RFQ-46-2020 WATER SPECIALIST SERVICES Closing date for submissions is 12 March 2021 at 13h00. Enquiries can be sent to: scmadmin@ewseta.org.za
