PLATINUM SPONSOR

Water Research Commission

The Water Research Commission (WRC) was established in 1971 following a period of serious water shortage. It was deemed to be of national importance to generate new knowledge and to promote the country’s water research purposefully, owing to the view held that water would be one of South Africa’s most limiting factors in the 21st century. Today, the primary functions of the WRC include:

• To promote coordination, cooperation and communication in the area of water research

• Establish water research needs and priorities

• Stimulate and fund water research according to priority

• Promote the effective transfer of information and technology

• Enhance knowledge and capacity building within the sector

As a statutory body, the WRC operates under the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.

Today, the WRC is the leading funder of water research in South Africa, and plays a key role in the national and global arena’s key research, development, and innovation (RDI) initiatives.

A cornerstone of the WRC’s approach is collaboration. The Commission partners with academic institutions, government agencies, private sector entities, and community organizations both within South Africa and internationally. This collaborative network ensures that research outcomes are practical, impactful, and aligned with the needs of various stakeholders.

Through its comprehensive and integrative approach, the Water Research Commission significantly contributes to ensuring water security, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life for South Africans, while also positioning South Africa as a leader in water research and innovation globally.

Contact details: T: +27 (12) 761 9300 W: https://www.wrc.org.za E: info@wrc.org.za

Gold Sponsors

Department Of Water And Sanitation

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is the custodian of South Africa's water resources, responsible for policy formulation and implementation in this sector. Its mission focuses on ensuring all South Africans have access to clean water and dignified sanitation, while promoting efficient water resource management for sustainable development. DWS aims to positively impact the country by being service-oriented, innovative, and committed to sustainable development. It leads the sector, empowering partners with knowledge and capacity to deliver water services effectively.

DWS values its investment in people, emphasizing the importance of its workforce in achieving its goals. While striving to ensure that all South Africans gain access to clean water and dignified sanitation, the department also promotes effective and efficient water resources management to ensure sustainable economic and social development.

Contact Details: T: +27 (0)12 336 7500 W: https://www.dws.gov.za/ | E: customercare@dws.gov.za

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (IDC)

Established in 1940 through an Act of Parliament (Industrial Development Corporation Act, 22 of 1940), the IDC s fully owned by the South African Government. The IDC priorities are aligned with the national policy direction as set out in the National Development Plan (NDP), Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) and industry Master Plans. Our mandate is to maximise our development impact through jobrich industrialisation, while contributing to an inclusive economy by, among others, funding black-owned and empowered companies, black industrialists, women, and youth-owned and empowered enterprises. Simultaneously, the IDC must ensure its long-term sustainability through prudent financial and human resource management, safeguard the natural environment, and increasingly position itself as a centre of excellence for development finance. We support industrial capacity development proactively identifying and funding highimpact projects, creating viable new industries, and using diverse industry expertise to drive growth in priority sectors.

Contact Details: T: 0860 693 888 W: www.idc.co.za E: callcentre@idc.co.za

Silver Sponsors

Vaal Central Water

Vaal Central Water is committed to ensuring sustainable and reliable quality water services. As a bulk water service provider and a stateowned entity, Vaal Central Water has grown to the Free State and Northern Cape areas previously serviced by the former Sedibeng Water after incorporation with Bloem Water from August 2022. Its customer base covers 11 municipalities, 26 mines in both the Free State and Northern Cape Provinces, 6 solar generation plants in the Northern Cape, Kalahari East Water Users Association in the Northern Cape and other stakeholders that cannot be serviced by municipalities within the area of service.

Contact Details: T: +27 (0)51 403 0800 W: www.vaalcentralwater.co.za E: communications@vcwater.co.za