South African Water Research Commission investing in the creation and sharing of water-centred knowledge

Pretoria, South Africa
Joined October 2011
EXCITING NEWS!🥳 We’ve launched our brand-new WRC A WaterWise Nation TV commercial! A WaterWise Nation is a national movement led by the Water Research Commission calling on every South African from industries to households to rethink, reduce, and respect water. ✅Build resilient businesses ✅Create water-smart homes & schools ✅Empower change through education ✅Protect our shared future Keep your eyes peeled on DSTV for the two weeks. Be part of the movement Act Today, Sustain Tomorrow wrc.org.za/a-water-wise-nati… #WRC #SaveWater #AWaterWiseNationTV #WaterCrisis #WaterSavingTips #WaterCrisis #SmartWaterHack #ActTodaySustainTomorrow
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As one of the sponsors of the National Wetlands Indaba 2026, the Water Research Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable management of South Africa’s wetlands through a keynote address delivered by Acting Executive: Research Development & Innovation, Dr Shafick Adams. He emphasised that lasting wetland solutions require integrated expertise, community knowledge, practical monitoring, shared learning and partnerships that continue beyond individual projects. The message is clear: protecting wetlands can not wait. Researchers, practitioners, communities, municipalities, decisionmakers and funders must work together now to turn evidence into action, strengthen stewardship and safeguard wetland systems for future generations. The WRC remains committed to supporting research, capacity development, and partnerships that advance water security, ecological resilience and sustainable wetland management across South Africa. #WetlandsIndaba2026 #WaterResearchCommission #Wetlands #WaterSecurity #ResearchForImpact
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South African excellence takes centre stage. Congratulations to the SANCID team for showcasing our water heritage and expertise on a global platform. 🇿🇦 In the words of WRC Senior Research Manager: Water Use, Prof Sylvester Mpandeli “As SANCID leadership, it has been our goal to put South Africa on the map.” 🌍 #LeadershipInWater #ProudlySouthAfrican #WaterHeritage #GlobalAwards #SANCID
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Celebrating excellence at the SER Symposium. The WRC congratulates Tshepang Tlali (Rhodes University)on receiving the Best Student Oral Presentation Award and Bheka Nxele (Stellenbosch University) for being named Runner-Up Best Student Oral Presentation. Their achievements reflect the calibre of emerging researchers contributing to scientific advancement and innovation. We also extend our sincere appreciation to SER for recognising symposium speakers with a commemorative gift. Bonani Madikizela accepted the gift on behalf of Prof Stanley Liphadzi in absentia. #WRC #SERSymposium #ResearchExcellence #StudentAchievement #FutureScientists
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Good morning Mzansi and the world! Today marks the third day of the 2026 African Ecosystem Restoration Symposium (AER), taking place in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. The programme director, Mlu Nsikani, extended a warm welcome to all delegates, followed by a keynote presentation from Mahlodi Tau, SANBI's General Manager for Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice. Prudence Galega subsequently delivered remarks addressing forest governance, restoration initiatives, biodiversity conservation efforts, and community-driven climate action strategies. We will be updating you on this platform throughout the symposium #AERSymposium2026 #AfricanEcosystemRestoration
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We are on day four of the 2026 African Ecosystem Restoration Symposium, being held in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. This morning, the programme director, Mlu Nsikani, extended a warm welcome to all delegates before the institutional leadership plenary commenced. Keynote speakers from Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and the Water Research Commission delivered presentations to the delegates. The keynote speakers also engaged in an interactive high-level discussion with delegates, focusing on water security, ecosystem restoration, and large-scale implementation strategies #AERSymposium2026 #AfricanEcosystemRestoration
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Following the lunch break, parallel sessions resumed with several presenters addressing different subjects. The WRC room session centred around community stewardship and catchment governance, whereas the SANBI session concentrated on landscape platforms, governance, and equity. The Rand Water room session focused on livelihood innovation and restoration initiatives at scale #AERSymposium2026 #AfricanEcosystemRestoration
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[PICTURED] WRC Delegation and 10 students supported by the WRC to attend and participate in the Africa Ecosystem Restoration 2026 Symposium
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A defining moment for Africa's restoration movement. At the Africa Ecosystem Restoration Symposium, Mr Bonani Madikizela challenged delegates to move from knowledge to implementation, emphasising that research must create real impact in communities. Recognised for his pioneering role in the ecosystem restoration movement and the establishment of SER Africa, he highlighted the need to empower communities through citizen science, identify critical research gaps, and strengthen partnerships to restore wetlands and ecosystems. With Africa facing escalating biodiversity loss, land degradation and growing environmental pressures, the message was clear: restoration is not only an environmental imperative, but also an economic opportunity. Restore ecosystems. Restore livelihoods. Build local economies. #SERAfrica #AfricaRestoration #CitizenScience #WRC #EcosystemRestoration
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Ready to help shape the future of municipal infrastructure? Join the NAFSAT Workshop ahead of the IMESA Conference and connect with experts driving innovation, sustainability and service delivery excellence. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and collaborate with leading stakeholders in the sector. #NaFSAT #IMESA2026 #SustainableInfrastructure #WaterSector #WRC
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A strong start to #SER2026!  The inaugural Africa Ecosystem Restoration Symposium officially opened at 26° South, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, with inspiring remarks from Dr Mlungele Nsikani, Ms Dansile Cindi, Lynnette Munro, Dr Maahlo (WRC) and the CEO of SANBI. WRC is proud to join delegates, partners and stakeholders from across the sector as we contribute to advancing research, innovation and sustainable solutions that support ecosystem restoration and a resilient future.  #SER2026 #WRC #OpeningCeremony #EcosystemRestoration #Sustainability
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SASTEP shortlisted for WOLL of the Year Award 2026 The Water Research Commission (WRC) is proud to announce that the South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) has been shortlisted for the Water-Oriented Living Lab (WOLL) of the Year Award 2026. The award recognises a WOLL that demonstrates outstanding impact in turning water innovation into real-world, scalable solutions through collaboration between government, industry, academia, communities and other stakeholders. SASTEP’s shortlisting recognises its role in creating an ecosystem that moves sanitation innovation from research and demonstration towards implementation, adoption, replication and scale. Through partnerships and real-world demonstration, SASTEP has supported the advancement of water-efficient, decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable sanitation sector. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the WRC, government partners, municipalities, technology developers, researchers, industry, communities and other stakeholders who continue to work together to accelerate innovation and transform the way sanitation services are delivered. A proud moment for South Africa and for the growing African water innovation community. #WRC #SASTEP #WPO #WOLLOftheYear #WaterEurope #WaterInnovation #LivingLabs #SanitationInnovation #WESS #NonSeweredSanitation #WaterResilience #CircularEconomy #Innovation #SystemicTransformation #SouthAfrica #Africa
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This week marked another successful year of the Water Research Commission (WRC)'s support for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)'s Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) Awards in Benoni, Gauteng. The event brought together learners from across South Africa to celebrate excellence and spark greater interest in careers within the water sector. Team members also engaged with learners on career opportunities in research, science, technology, and sustainable water management. Dr. Mamohloding Maahlo, Acting Executive for Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, reaffirmed the WRC's commitment to youth development and water education. As the organisation celebrates 55 years of advancing water research in South Africa, she highlighted the importance of building a climate-resilient future, empowering young people, and inspiring learners to become champions of responsible water use within their communities. As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and education, the WRC sponsored laptops for deserving students, equipping them with valuable tools to support their academic journeys and future aspirations.  Mr David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS), congratulated the learners and thanked the schools and partners whose contributions helped make this year's event a success. He encouraged students to continue striving for excellence as future scientists, innovators, and leaders, underscoring the importance of community action, technological innovation, and everyday conservation in safeguarding South Africa's water resources.  Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of water sector professionals and building a water-secure future for all. #WSEP2026 #WRC55 #YouthDevelopment #WaterEducation #WaterWise #Innovation #ScienceAndTechnology #WaterResearch #BuildingAWaterSecureNation
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Day 2 of the DWS WSEP National Adjudication was another day of insightful presentations, innovative projects and inspiring performances on water conservation and sustainability. We applaud all participants for their commitment to creating a water-secure future for generations to come.  #WSEP2026 #DWS #WaterConservation #WaterWise #Sustainability #EducationForChange
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The WRC is proud to support the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP). We wish all finalists the very best as they showcase their innovation and dedication during the adjudication process from 27 September to 1 October. #WaterEducation #CapacityBuilding #WSEP #WRC #WaterResearch #FutureLeadersInWaterScience
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Celebrating the diversity, cultures, and traditions that make South Africa extraordinary. This Heritage Day, the Water Research Commission honours our shared heritage and reaffirms its commitment to protecting one of our most precious resources, water, for generations to come. Heritage. Innovation. Sustainability. #HeritageDay2026 #WRC #WaterResearchCommission #ProudlySouthAfrican #WaterForTheFuture
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Attend. Exhibit & Connect.   Join the Water Research Commission and partners at the International Conference on Sanitation, Waste and Water & the 5th BRICS Research Conference, taking place from 16-20 November 2026 in Vhembe District, Limpopo. Engage with thought leaders, showcase innovations, and contribute to sustainable solutions for sanitation, waste, water, governance and the green economy.   Register today and be part of the conversation shaping a more sustainable future.   #WRCat50 #BRICSResearchConference #Sanitation #WaterSecurity #GreenEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation #WRCSA
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Swinging for impact, driving change! The Water Research Commission was proud to stand as a key sponsor at the Lepelle Northern Water Charity Golf Day, hosted at the scenic Euphoria Golf Estate in Limpopo. Beyond the greens, the day was dedicated to swinging together for a greater purpose uplifting communities through strategic partnerships. The excitement on the course was captured live with Capricorn FM, where Acting Executive, Dr Mamohloding Maahlo shared insights on how innovation, water security, and community development intersect to build a resilient South Africa. Speaking at the gala dinner, Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, highlighted the transformative power of giving back, noting that true, lasting change is affected through the spirit of Ubuntu. Echoing these sentiments, WRC Board Deputy Chairperson Dr Harrison Pienaar reminded us that as South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, our greatest strength lies in our unity, we are truly stronger together. This commitment to collective action comes at a landmark moment, as the WRC celebrates 55 years of innovative water research and knowledge sharing that powers sustainable development. Thank you to Lepelle Northern Water and all partners who joined us on the fairways to make a difference! #WRC55 #LepelleNorthernWater #WaterSecurity #CharityGolfDay #HeritageMonth
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CPD-accredited certification upon completing 8 modules and 5 practical assignments. Start earning today: forms.office.com/r/vFdZEa5fh…  #NRWChallenge #WRCWaterTools #CPDAccredited
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