A powerful collaboration involving academia, industry and water authorities is helping to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in the rural village of Disaneng in the North West Province.
The partners, who conducted a high-impact outreach at two secondary schools on 29 July 2025, were the Nano-Environment Incubation Programme at the North-West University (NWU), the Northern Provinces Branch of the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA), and Magalies Water.
The initiative targeted learners from Mogakolodi Masibi High School and Jan Masibi High School, with the goal of sparking interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly among Grade 9 to 12 learners taking mathematics and physical sciences.
Building communities and careers
The outreach highlighted diverse career opportunities in municipal engineering, infrastructure development, nanotechnology and public service. The learners were introduced to the role of science and engineering in community development and encouraged to see themselves as future engineers, chemists and problem-solvers.
IMESA chairperson Kwena Maphoto focused on municipal engineering awareness, while the NWU was represented by Prof Damian C Onwudiwe, Dr Naledi Seheri and Dr Lawrence Sawunyama from the Nano-Environment Incubation Programme in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
One of the highlights of the day was a hands-on session on nanotechnology-based water treatment, led by the NWU academic team. Learners were shown how nanoscience is being used to tackle real-world issues such as water contamination – a challenge affecting many rural communities.
“A key feature of the visit included showcasing our pioneering work in nanotechnology-based water purification,” said Prof Onwudiwe. “It’s about showing learners how science can solve local problems while contributing to global goals such as Sustainable Development Goal 6, access to clean water and sanitation for all.”
Guidance, opportunity and inspiration
In addition to the scientific demonstrations, the NWU team provided practical guidance on university applications, entry requirements for science and engineering programmes, key timelines and available bursary and financial aid opportunities.
“This collaborative outreach raised awareness about careers in chemistry and municipal engineering,” said Dr Seheri. “Most importantly, it helped learners envision themselves as future contributors to sustainable infrastructure and local water solutions.”
Community leadership and lasting impact
The event closed with heartfelt remarks from Kgosi Mogakolodi Masibi, Senior Traditional Leader of Batlharo boo Tokwana ba ga Masibi in Disaneng. He expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between academia, government and industry in empowering rural youth.
“Initiatives like this are more than just visits; they are life-changing. By exposing our learners to professionals who look like them, who speak their language, and who have succeeded in these fields, we open their eyes to what is possible,” said Kgosi Masibi.
This impactful outreach marks another milestone in the NWU’s ongoing commitment to effective community engagement partnerships that can inspire the engineers, scientists and innovators of tomorrow.
A powerful collaboration involving academia, industry and water authorities is helping to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in the rural village of Disaneng.
