The commitment of the North-West University (NWU) to helping ensure that all the citizens of the continent have access to safe water was again evident when the 24th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium was held in Zanzibar, in the United Republic of Tanzania, on 25 October. The NWU is home to the SADC WaterNet Secretariat.

The symposium was held under the theme of Accelerating Change: Fostering Innovation and Integration for Sustainable Water Resources Management in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Professor Nnenesi Kgabi, the director of Research Support at the NWU and chairperson of the WaterNet Trust, addressed the audience during the official opening of the symposium, reiterating that it is crucial to water sectors across Africa to develop, deliver and scale new products, services and solutions in order to ensure a sustainable supply of safe water. She also indicated that integration is a much-needed piece of the puzzle for uniting the respective water research, innovation and entrepreneurial sectors.

Prof Kgabi also handed a special shield of appreciation to the guest of honour, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar.

Through its research, innovation and areas specifically focused on water research, the NWU is committed to helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) especially important in this regard. SDG 6 calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

On her return home, Prof Kgabi said: “We must never waver in our pursuit of making access to safe water a reality for all Africans. This vital resource underpins so many facets influencing our daily lives, from our economic growth to our health and the agricultural sector. Water scarcity is a real problem. Waterborne diseases ravage communities, and inefficient water infrastructure and management hamper opportunities while also leading to waste of the resource and inefficiency. We need to stop this; it is our duty. One way to do this is by creating and cultivating partnerships that address our shared problems. In that same vein it is our responsibility to share our expertise. Together we will move Africa forward.”

Prof Kgabi with the guest of honour, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar.