Nature-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting and infrastructure designed to withstand floods and other climate impacts were among the practical ideas raised at a recent two-day symposium on water management and climate change in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province.
Held at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 4 and 5 December, the event brought together community leaders, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to discuss local challenges and identify innovative strategies.
It was organised by NWU’s Nano Environment Incubation Programme and the office of the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and WaterNet.
Dr Naledi Seheri from the chemistry subject group, who helped organise the event, emphasised its collaborative nature. “This symposium was about bringing people together to find practical, community-driven solutions.”
Leave no one behind
On 3 December, the WRC led a stakeholder engagement session to set the stage for discussions. On 4 December Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo delivered the keynote address which emphasised the urgent need for innovative approaches to address South Africa’s water challenges.
“No community should be left behind in water, sanitation and development,” he said, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance and collaboration, as well as the potential to integrate technology, governance and climate-sensitive infrastructure into water management.
Deputy minister Mahlobo shared a success story of a school that received clean water through a system using solar energy, rainwater harvesting tanks and efficient sanitation solutions. “This project not only provided water for students but also supported the surrounding community.”
He urged stakeholders to explore nature-based solutions and to design infrastructure that could withstand floods and other climate impacts. The deputy minister also stressed the need for circular water systems and the separation of stormwater from wastewater to enhance sustainability.
Technology was another key focus of his address. He pointed to the potential of artificial intelligence and real-time data systems to improve water monitoring and disaster management. “With more cell phones than people in the country, these devices can be used as tools for empowering communities.”
Collaboration in action
The symposium featured interactive panels that tackled water resource management, climate adaptation, water conservation technologies and the role of governance in strengthening water resilience. Discussions included input from representatives of the NWU, WaterNet, the WRC, the Magalies Water Board, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism.
It concluded with recommendations for improving water security in the region by fostering partnerships, leveraging science and technology and keeping in mind the interconnectedness of water, energy, food and climate resilience.
The symposium also resulted in the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the NWU and the WRC to address regional water challenges.
Dignitaries at the NWU’s Water and Climate Changes symposium.
