WISA • WISA K WAZULU-NATAL BRANCH
BRIDGING THE ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY GAP IN THE WASH SECTOR
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By Mbali Sibiya, chair, WISA KZN Branch
he WISA KwaZulu-Natal Branch – in partnership with Durban University of Technology, Ewseta, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Universal Water Solutions, Borda SA, and the Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, acting deputy dean, Durban University of Technology
Collaboration, innovation, and education are the keys to a sustainable future in the water and sanitation sector.” Nontando Rambau (left), associate, Talbot, and Vikesh Daya, MD, Universal Water Solutions
Department of Water and Sanitation – recently held a symposium that brought together water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector stakeholders and academia. Here are some of the highlights: Mluleki Mnguni, WISA 2024 Conference Chair
Mluleki Mnguni, WISA 2024 Conference Chair, highlighted the challenges that have plagued the WASH sector lately, with par ticular reference to cholera cases. “We should not be having repor ts of cholera outbreaks in South Africa in 2024 – this is evidence of governance issues in the WASH sector.”
Rambau shared her personal experiences as a practitioner who started working in the private sector after graduation. “The private sector requires professionals with skills and does not make it a habit to recruit graduates who do not possess those specific skills. Graduates are not exposed to technological advancement and therefore lack this skill; they need to align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Communication, project management, financial, and leadership skills should be honed at
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NOV E MB E R /DEC EM BER 2023
Nthabiseng Fundakubi, deputy director general, Department of Water and Sanitation
Nthabiseng Fundakubi, deputy director general of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), stressed the importance of water sector collaborations from grassroots. She believes that it is essential to include children from primary school level on water awareness campaigns and advocacy. “Curricula at higher institutions must be fit for purpose so that graduates can easily fit into the workplace. Industry practitioners should not shy away from mentoring and supervising academic students from primary school level. They can also provide real-time WASH projects for lecturers and students to get better industry exposure.” the academic level, particularly with postgraduates.” Daya spoke about the need for the private sector to provide more opportunities for graduates without and experience or skills. He highlighted that this can only be done if the private and public sectors, as well as academia work together – and are intentional about developing a specific workforce for the sector. “Academia must develop soft skills at academic institutional level, so that graduates will manage with integrating into the private sector.”
