Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane and Deputy Minister Pamela Tshwete presented the 2014 Women in Water Awards in Rustenburg last Friday.

The awards serve as a vehicle for the department to recognise the work done by women and the vital role they play in the water sector. It also encourages communities to learn about water management and change their attitudes for the better.

The awards had four categories: water conservation, adopt a river, education and awareness, and community development.

 

Commending hard work

Addressing the awards ceremony, Minister Mokonyane commended all the nominees for taking it upon themselves to not be overwhelmed by their circumstances but to rather see opportunity at every turn.

She said the women had looked their challenges in the face and refused to be oppressed by the lack of facilities that was around them.

“This is truly the spirit of our great South African nation. These amazing women went further, actually appreciating the water that is available around them and for the community they live in.”

 

Lessons learnt

The minister said that women were at the coalface of the challenges of a lack of water.

She emphasised that the awards must not be just about the ceremony but lessons learnt must impact upon all such that they become a way of life.

“We need to take these lessons and ensure that they truly become best practice and a way of life.”

“The idea of ‘no drop’ has to truly be just that — no drop must be wasted. We have to better understand water management and ensure a change a change of attitude towards this crucial resource,” said Mokonyane.

 

Winners:

Adopt a river: Swartkops Adopt a River Project

Education and awareness: Botjha Community Based Organisation

Water conservation: Mosadi Tshwene Project

Community development: Re a Dira Home Based Care

 

 

(adapted from SAnews.gov.za)