Water Institute of Southern Africa

19/06/2026

Join us for a free, informative webinar on the Green Drop Report and gain valuable insights into wastewater treatment compliance, performance monitoring, and industry best practices. This session is ideal for water and wastewater professionals who want to stay up to date with current regulatory requirements and developments in the sector.

Join here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JKLYRZ5

16/06/2026

RESET@50 - The Future Calls

This Youth Day, WISA honours the legacy of the brave young South Africans who stood up for freedom in 1976 and celebrates the next generation of leaders who are shaping our future today.

Through the Young Water Professionals (YWP) network, young scientists, engineers, researchers, and water practitioners are driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and developing solutions to some of the most pressing water challenges facing our country.

As we commemorate 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, we recognise that the future of South Africa's water security depends on the talent, passion, and determination of our youth.

To every young person pursuing a career in the water sector: keep learning, keep innovating, and keep leading. The future is calling, and your contribution matters.

Happy Youth Day South Africa.

15/06/2026

Lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world.

Join WISA’s 6-week online webinar series, The Fundamentals of Modern Leadership, starting 7 July 2026 from 09:00–11:00. Earn 2 CPD points (WISA | ECSA | SACNASP) while developing the mindset and skills needed to build high-performing teams and lead with impact.

Register here: https://wisa.org.za/event/71530/
For enquiries: Talent Khumalo | [email protected]

15/06/2026

🚨 Upcoming Webinar

What does the new SAN241 mean for you? Meet the experts unpacking SANS 241:2025.

The revised SANS 241 standard marks the most significant shift in drinking water quality management in years.

To help you navigate the operational, technical, and financial realities of this update, the Water Institute of Southern Africa and Water&Sanitation Africa magazine are bringing together four of the sector's leading authorities for this topical webinar.

👥 Meet Our Panel of Experts:
🔹 Deborah Trollip – Chair of the SABS/TC147 Water Committee & Scientist at uMngeni-uThukela Water
🔹 Marietta Swart Rand water – Member of the SABS/TC147 Water Committee & Water Quality Manager at Rand Water
🔹 Micole Martens – Director at Talbot
🔹 Phindile Mahlangu – Scientific Services Manager at Magalies Water.

🔍 What Will Be Unpacked:
🔹 The core compliance changes and new monitoring protocols required under SANS 241:2025.
🔹 Real-world, practical implications for municipalities, water boards, and laboratories.
🔹 Direct strategies to manage the technical and financial impacts on infrastructure.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 1st July 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (SAST)
🎟️ Access: Free registration (essential for compliance officers)

🔗 Secure your front-row seat here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qVNu9t85Q3mNLFXr-AQYPA

15/06/2026

Leonardo Manus to Feature at WISA 2026 Biennial Conference & Exhibition (22–24 July 2026 | CTICC, Cape Town): Driving Innovation and Resilience in Water and Sanitation Systems

Leonardo Manus brings extensive experience across both government and municipal leadership, with a career spanning technical, strategic, and executive roles in South Africa’s water sector. From his early work in the Eden District Municipality to his tenure at the National Department of Water and Sanitation, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing key innovations - most notably the award-winning Blue Drop and Green Drop programmes, as well as the wastewater risk abatement planning framework.

Currently serving as Executive Director: Water and Sanitation for the City of Cape Town, Leonardo is focused on strengthening water supply resilience and ensuring the sustainable operation of wastewater systems across the metro. With strong academic grounding in engineering and business management, and ongoing research in systems engineering related to sanitation challenges in unplanned settlements, he continues to drive forward-thinking solutions that address both current demands and future pressures in the sector.

📅 22–24 July 2026
📍 CTICC, Cape Town

Register here: https://www.wisaconference.co.za/

15/06/2026

Dr Inga Jacobs-Mata to Feature at WISA 2026 Biennial Conference & Exhibition (22–24 July 2026 | CTICC, Cape Town): Advancing Inclusive Innovation in Water and Agri-Food Systems

Dr Inga Jacobs-Mata is a globally recognised leader in water security, inclusion, and sustainable development, currently serving as Director of Water, Growth and Inclusion at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). With over 15 years of experience, she has led large-scale, high-impact initiatives across Africa, blending scientific research with practical, locally driven solutions to address complex water and agrifood challenges.

Through her leadership of the Ukama Ustawi Initiative, meaning “partnerships for prosperity” -Dr Jacobs-Mata has empowered farmers and businesses to become self-sufficient problem-solvers, improving livelihoods across East and Southern Africa. Her work spans policy influence, investment enablement, and innovation scaling, helping shape more equitable and resilient food and water systems. Recognised in 2025 by the World Food Prize Foundation as one of the Top Agri-Food Pioneers, she continues to drive transformative change at the intersection of water, climate, and development.

📅 22–24 July 2026
📍 CTICC, Cape Town

Gain insight from one of the country’s foremost experts shaping the future of water and sustainability.
👉 Register here: https://www.wisaconference.co.za/

15/06/2026

Rethink Amanzi – Securing Our Future

As we build momentum towards the WISA Conference 2026, we’re proud to announce keynote speaker Refilwe Buthelezi.

As President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO) and the first female President of ECSA, Refilwe brings a powerful perspective to this year’s theme. Her work at Rand Water, alongside her roles at SANRAL and Transnet, places her at the forefront of infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable development - all critical to securing our water future.

This is the calibre of conversation shaping WISA Conference 2026 and you’ll want to be in the room.

Join us in Cape Town, 22–24 July 2026.

Register now: https://www.wisaconference.co.za/

15/06/2026

Rethinking Amanzi: Securing our future

📍 22–24 July 2026 | CTICC, Cape Town

Agriculture, policy, and water security are deeply interconnected and few voices articulate this better than Wandile Sihlobo.

As South Africa’s Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, Chief Economist at Agbiz, and a trusted advisor to government through the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Wandile brings a powerful, evidence-based perspective to the WISA Conference 2026.

Join the conversation shaping the future of water, agriculture, and policy in South Africa.
🔗 Register here: https://www.wisaconference.co.za/

10/06/2026

The WISA2026 Conference Programme is now live.

Join over 2,000 water sector professionals from across Southern Africa for 3 days of learning, collaboration and innovation.

From 22-24 July 2026, WISA2026 will bring together municipal leaders, water boards, government representatives, researchers, engineers, consultants, technology providers and emerging professionals to explore solutions for the future of water.

With a packed programme of technical presentations, workshops, networking opportunities and industry engagement, WISA2026 offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people shaping the water sector across the region.

View the full conference programme and start planning your conference experience today:
https://www.wisaconference.co.za/programme/

Day(s) : Hour(s) : Minute(s) : Second(s) Welcome to WISA2026 Biennial Conference & Exhibition Water is a fundamental driver of socio-economic development, public health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. However, water systems across Southern Africa face a convergence of threats:...

05/06/2026

💧 The countdown is on.

In just over six weeks, water professionals, municipal leaders, researchers, utilities, consultants, technology providers, government representatives, and international experts will gather in Cape Town for the WISA2026 Biennial Conference & Exhibition.

Hosted under the theme "Rethink Amanzi – Securing Our Future," WISA2026 will provide a unique platform to engage with the ideas, innovations, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of water and sanitation in Southern Africa.

Why attend?

✔ Gain practical insights from leading local and international experts
✔ Participate in technical sessions covering infrastructure, water quality, governance, climate resilience, digital innovation, finance, water reuse, non-revenue water, and more
✔ Connect with decision-makers and professionals from across the water value chain
✔ Explore the latest technologies and solutions in the exhibition hall
✔ Earn CPD-accredited professional development opportunities
✔ Build valuable relationships with peers, partners, clients, and future collaborators

With more than 2,000 delegates expected from across Southern Africa and beyond, WISA2026 is set to be one of the region's most influential water sector gatherings.

📍 Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
📅 22–24 July 2026

🔗 Register today and secure your place: https://www.wisaconference.co.za/registration/

WISA2026 proudly acknowledges its Co-Anchor Sponsors, the City of Cape Town and Overberg Water, as well as its Knowledge Partner, the Water Research Commission, for their valued support.