WITS:H2O LEADING WATER SOLUTIONS FOR A CHANGING WORLD
THE GLOBAL WATER SECURITY CRISIS
2.2 billion lack safe drinking water
Why Water Matters
By 2050, over 5 billion people will be affected by water scarcity, with demand for freshwater far exceeding supply in many parts of the world. Southern Africa is already one of the regions most vulnerable to this crisis — from droughts and day-zero events to collapsing municipal water systems.
At the heart of this challenge lies not only the science of water, but also the urgent need for innovation, leadership, and vision. Wits University, as one of Africa’s leading research institutions, is uniquely positioned to respond. With a century-long legacy of excellence, Wits combines cutting-edge science, engineering, governance, law, and the humanities to address water security in all its dimensions.
4.2 billion lack adequate sanitation
40% of the world’s population is affected by water scarcity
Up to 700 million could be displaced by 2030 due to intense water insecurity
Shaping Tomorrow’s Water Future
Wits:H2O is a global research hub for water, uniting world-class thinkers to solve one of humanity’s greatest challenges: global water security.
Our strength lies in our interdisciplinary research. From engineering and the sciences, to law, governance, psychology, health, and the arts, Wits:H2O harnesses knowledge across fields to develop solutions that are as innovative as they are practical.
Wits:H2O seeks not only to respond to crisis, but to inspire a new way of thinking — one where water is at the heart of innovation, sustainability, and global transformation.
Through bold research, transformative education, and global partnerships, Wits:H2O is developing solutions that can reclaim, reuse, and reimagine water for the future of South Africa, Africa, and the world.
Wits:H2O in Action
Wits:H2O is tackling water challenges with innovative, real-world solutions.
Acids 2 Value (A2V) turns toxic mine run-off into clean water and valuable materials, backed by cutting-edge analytics, modelling, and socioeconomic strategy.
Pioneering Global Solutions
Turning citizens into water guardians
With a simple test strip and phone app, communities can check drinking water quality in minutes, making water safety everyone’s business.
WASTEWATER & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
No drop wasted
Wits:H2O is pioneering ways to recover valuable minerals and resources from wastewater — creating cleaner water and new economic opportunities.
ACID MINE DRAINAGE VALORISATION
From pollution to possibility
Our researchers are transforming toxic mine water into clean, usable water while extracting rare earths and other valuable materials.
BIOFLOCCULANTS
Nature at work
Wits:H2O is developing natural materials to clean up highly polluted water before treatment.
WATER RECLAMATION FOR DRINKING
The future of resilience
Wits:H2O is preparing society for safe reuse of water at scale — a breakthrough that can secure water futures in South Africa and across the Global South.
Eco-wetlands transforming greywater into safe, reusable water for informal settlements
Mapping & GIS
Identifying AMD hotspots for targeted solutions
Analytical Techniques
Developing new methods to measure trace elements
Turning acid mine drainage into clean water and valuable resources
Socio-Economic Strategy
Ensuring solutions deliver equity and resilience
Rare Earth &
Extracting rare earths and converting biomass into value
Be Part of a Water Legacy
Wits:H2O is shaping the future of water — not only for South Africa, but for the world.
We invite you to stand with us in creating solutions that will safeguard communities, inspire innovation, and transform our relationship with water for generations to come.
THROUGH WITS:H2O, PARTNERS CAN:
• Support pioneering research that turns water challenges into global solutions
• Invest in people by funding postgraduate bursaries and nurturing the next generation of water leaders
• Establish named Research Chairs that empower world-class academics to drive bold discoveries
• Collaborate with experts to test, validate, and scale breakthrough technologies
Your partnership is more than support — it is legacybuilding. By investing in Wits:H2O, you will be remembered as part of the movement that turned a water crisis into opportunity, leaving behind a sustainable gift for humanity and the planet.
Should you wish to discuss or enquire about a bespoke gift or sponsorship, or to learn more about the dynamic team of Wits H2O and the many ways to partner with the University of the Witwatersrand, please send an email to: Prof. Craig Sheridan: craig.sheridan@wits.ac.za | Prof. Heidi Richards: heidi.richards@wits.ac.za
The Development and Fundraising Office: Peter Bezuidenhoudt: peter.bezuidenhoudt@wits.ac.za | Charné Haak: charne.haak@wits.ac.za
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