I hate the phrase ‘paradigm shift’ but…

It is

Paradigm shift’ is a pompous phrase – it is overused, misused and misunderstood.

Publisher Jacques Breytenbach

3S

The term refers to a major change in the worldview, concepts and practices of how something works or is accomplished. It signifies a departure from traditional methods and beliefs to new, innovative approaches. A paradigm shift can happen within a wide variety of contexts, from scientific research to industry.

• ‘DWS embraces the sanitation paradigm shift’ (page 46): where the Department of Water and Sanitation now considers the entire sanitation service chain, instead of merely building toilets.

From linear to circular, centralised to decentralised, individual to collective, conventional to innovative, basic to sustainable, fragmented to integrated, and use to reuse –changes are happening and I am excited and honoured to bear witness (and report on) all of them.

WISA Contacts:

HEAD OFFICE

Tel: 086 111 9472(WISA)

Fax: +27 (0)11 315 1258

Website: www.wisa.org.za

BRANCHES

Central Branch (Free State, Northern Cape, North West)

Chairperson: Dr Leana Esterhuizen

WISA’s

Vision Inspiring passion for water

Physical address: 1st Floor, Building 5, Constantia Park, 546 16th Road, Randjiespark Ext 7, Midrand

Historically, water management has been primarily focused on supply-side solutions, such as dam construction, reservoirs and centralised water treatment plants. However, as the world faces increasing water scarcity, pollution and climate change, there is a growing recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and manage water.

Value of water

I recently attended the IFAT Conference, and was impressed with the number of exhibitors showcasing water and sanitation services and technologies, as well as the delegates searching for answers to better manage water and sanitation.

Company: Central University of Technology

Tel: +27 (0)51 507 3850

Email: lesterhu@cut.ac.za

Eastern Cape:

Branch Contact: Dan Abrahams

Company: Aurecon

Tel: +27 (0)41 503 3929

Cell: +27 (0) 81 289 1624

Email: Dan.Abraham@aurecongroup.com

Gauteng

Branch Lead: Zoe Gebhardt

Cell: +27 (0)82 3580876

Email: zoe.gebhardt@gmail.com

KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson: Lindelani Sibiya

Company: Umgeni Water

Cell: +27 (0)82 928 1081

Email: lindelani.sibiya@umgeni.co.za

Limpopo

Chairperson: Mpho Chokolo

Company: Lepelle Northern Water

Cell: +27 (0)72 310 7576

Email: mphoc@lepelle.co.za

Mpumalanga

Chairperson: Lihle Mbatha (Acting)

Company: Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency

Tel: +27 (0)13 753 9000

Email: mbathat@iucma.co.za

Western Cape Chairperson: Natasia van Binsbergen

Company: AL Abbott & Associates

Tel: +27 (0)21 448 6340

Cell: +27 (0)83 326 3887

Email: natasia@alabbott.co.za

Namibia

Please contact the WISA Head Office at admin@wisa.org.za for more information

Traditionally, sanitation has focused on the provision of basic facilities and services to manage human waste and maintain public health. However, a paradigm shift in sanitation involves adopting new approaches, technologies and strategies to address the complex challenges associated with sanitation.

I am guilty of using ‘paradigm shift’ in two articles in this magazine:

• ‘Tackling the irony of renewable energy’ (page 14): where mine water management can be centred around the water-energy-waste nexus and mitigate any effects on the environment and society.

The lack of value people place on water is the reason why it is mistreated. It is only when the true value is placed on water that technologies and process systems begin to become important. And they are becoming important. The growing interest in the treatment of water and new sanitation technologies gives me hope. This magazine is filled to the brim with examples.

Happy reading,

Cover Opportunity

In each issue, Water&Sanitation Africa offers companies the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the magazine. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the cover story and maximum exposure. For more information, contact Hanlie Fintelman on +27 (0)67 756 3132, or email Hanlie.Fintelman@3smedia.co.za.