WISA • Y WP
The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly exposed the vulnerability of our societies and has unearthed our country’s stark social and economic inequalities. By Ashton Busani Mpofu and Rivonia Pillay*
T
he pandemic has further exacerbated the country’s ailing economy, with the unemployment rate increasing to a staggering 30.1%, with youth (ages 15 to 34 years) accounting for 63.3% (20.4 million people). This has emphasised the need for various stakeholders to work collaboratively towards social justice, collective empowerment, equitable and sustainable development. The South African Young Water Professionals (YWP-ZA) committee will strive to strengthen inclusivity, particularly in accessing water and sanitation, and enhance the growth of its members’ skills, competencies and thought leadership. YWP-ZA looks forward to working closely with WISA branches and technical divisions,
New committee takes the reins government, businesses, institutions of learning and civil society across the country. YWP-ZA needs your support.
Upcoming national activities
1. Annual strategic session – The YWPZA national committee will convene virtually in the next two months for its annual strategic session. This will be the first for the term and the first time that this annual session is held virtually. 2. WISA 2020 YWP Forum – YWP-ZA will be hosting a forum during the WISA 2020 Conference. This is a unique opportunity for YWPs to report on the conference in order to identify and contextualise major issues. These will be discussed by YWPs at the YWP Forum on the third day of the conference. The outcome of the forum will be presented
and incorporated into WISA’s position paper. YWPs interested in the rapporteur programme should contact Niel Louw at niel.ramsay.louw@gmail.com. 3. Webinars – YWP-ZA will be hosting a series of exciting webinars in the coming months. Of note is the transformation webinar that will be held in August. The webinars will focus on celebrating young women in the water sector and will discuss the challenges and means of promoting women in the water sector. Interested individuals and stakeholders can contact Nontando Mkhize at nontando.mkhize@gmail.com.
*Ashton Busani Mpofu is the YWP-ZA national lead and Rivonia Pillay the YWP-ZA coordination lead.
YWP-ZA National Committee 2020–2022
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Ashton Busani Mpofu National lead, senior water sector analyst at GreenCape
Ramulifho Pfananani Vice lead, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Venda
“Covid-19 has clearly exposed the vulnerability of our societies due to a lack of universal access to water and sanitation. As young water professionals, we must take heed and strive for socially just communities. Our future citizens would hold us accountable.”
“Being part of YWP means a great deal to me. This motivates me to continue shaping the future of the water sector in South Africa. This is the future we need as young people. The future where young professionals have access to information and use best-practice models to protect natural water resources.”
JULY /AUG UST 2020
Nontando Mkhize Vice lead, technical director at Lifalin
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
